The Hydrolysis (Scotland) Regulations 2026
From 02 March 2026, hydrolysis will be a legal and regulated way to dispose of human remains in Scotland, alongside burial and cremation.
Hydrolysis uses warm water and an alkaline solution to speed up natural decomposition. As with cremation, families can receive the remains afterwards in a similar form to ashes.
The Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No.1) Regulations 2026
These regulations create the legal basis for hydrolysis in Scotland by:
- Officially recognising hydrolysis as a lawful method of body disposal
- Extending the existing burial and cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 so it applies to hydrolysis
- Updating related laws so hydrolysis is regulated in the same way burial and cremation
The Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No.1) Regulations 2026
The Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations 2026
These regulations include details on the operational requirements of hydrolysis facilities.
The regulations set out:
- How hydrolysis facilities must be managed and operated
- Who can act as a hydrolysis authority
- The application process, registers and statutory forms
- Rules for handling remains, record keeping and inspections
- Operational standards broadly aligned with those already used for crematoria