Unclaimed ashes to be scattered on loch

THE unclaimed ashes of 17 people, whose remains have never been collected by relatives, will be scattered on Loch Ness in a ceremony next month.

Inverness-based John Fraser and Son, the largest funeral directors in the Highlands, has decided to deal with ashes that have lain unclaimed for up to 46 years.

All attempts to trace relatives of the deceased have failed, but in a final attempt to reunite their remains with family members, the company is publishing the names and dates of cremation.

Vicki Fraser, a funeral director with the company, said: "These ashes date from 1962 to 1993."

If not claimed, the ashes will be taken on a boat on Loch Ness on 3 June and committed, one set at a time, to the water with a lone piper playing and a minister performing a religious service.