MSP backing public inquiry for Mortonhall ash scandal

East Lothian Labour MSP Iain Gray has backed calls for a public inquiry into the Mortonhall baby ashes scandal.

Council chiefs last week said former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini had agreed to lead a probe, but families involved claim a public inquiry is the only way to the truth.

The controversy arose after parents were denied their babies’ ashes, which were then buried in cardboard boxes in the grounds of the crematorium.

Mr Gray said: “The tragic personal stories that have emerged from this scandal have touched everyone.

“It is astonishing such an ill-conceived and heartless practice was started and then allowed to go on unchallenged for so long. While I am sure Dame Elish Angiolini will do the best job she can with the remit she has been given, many of the parents who have been affected by these events say they have no faith in a process set up by the council.

“I believe only an independent public inquiry will deliver the answers they seek.”