South Ayrshire Council News

Provost Winifred Sloan unveiled the United Kingdom Crematorium of the Year 2007 plaque.

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan unveiled a stunning slate plaque at Masonhill Crematorium in Ayr, to mark it being named as United Kingdom Crematorium of the Year 2007, in the National Cemetery of the Year Competition.

The annual competition is open to all British cemeteries, churchyards or crematoria. It is the only competition of its kind that recognises the high standards of such facilities.

Staff at the Crematorium submitted an application to be considered for the award. Following their submission a group of judges made unannounced visits to Masonhill Crematorium to see the facilities for themselves.

After unveiling the plaque, which will be situated at the entrance to the chapel, Provost Sloan said: “The services provided by staff from the Registration and Bereavement Services section of the Council have a highly important, and sensitive, part to play in the lives of the people of South Ayrshire, and beyond. Masonhill Crematorium is a jewel in the crown of those services.”
The crematorium has previously received awards for the high standards of the staff and the facilities but this is the first time that they have been named as Crematorium of the Year.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Leader of the Council said: “People who are at their lowest, and having to cope with the death of a loved one, family member or dear friend, turn to staff at Masonhill Crematorium for help and guidance. The staff carry out their duties in a compassionate yet professional manner and I congratulate them for their outstanding work.”

Councillor Nan McFarlane, Leader of the SNP Group said: “I would like to congratulate all the staff who have worked so hard to enhance the facilities at Masonhill Crematorium. The level of service, which is of an exceptionally high standard, and the way in which the facilities are continually evolving, can only be of benefit to the people of South Ayrshire.”

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Leader of the Labour Group said: “Masonhill Crematorium has been awarded the highest professional accolade by being named as the United Kingdom Crematorium of the Year 2007. Congratulations to all the staff, it is an honour well deserved.”

Over several years improvements have been made to the facilities including installation of an electronic Book of Remembrance that can be viewed on the Internet and outside the Book of Remembrance Room a courtyard garden has been created that includes a niche wall for the interment of remains, and a raised garden for memorial plaques.

Staff have organised a number of visits to the Crematorium by local groups, Round Table branches, hospital staff, General Practitioners and neighbouring local authority staff. The facilities are also available for members of the public to visit as part of the annual South Ayrshire ‘Open Doors’ initiative.

Within the Council’s website there is a bereavement section, which makes it easy for people to access information, at a time and place convenient to them. The information is displayed in a user-friendly manner and leads people easily to the information they require. It complements, but does not replace, the high standard of caring service already given by Council staff within the Registration and Bereavement Services Section.

Anyone who would like further information can access the website by logging on to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/registration-bereavement.