Mortonhall Memorial Garden opens

Alternative memorial planned for Princes Street Gardens

Bereaved parents have visited the Mortonhall Memorial Garden which opened on Friday.

Specially designed plaques run along the inner walls of the garden inscribed with the names of 149 babies and short messages. The name plaques have been sensitively designed to include a dragonfly and floral motif to complement feature dragonflies that are in the garden.

The walled circular water feature garden includes beech hedges, birch trees, a stone ball water feature, rocks, pathway, seating and is located off the existing memorial walkway within easy reach of the main chapel.

The memorial, created by Edinburgh company Green Edge, was chosen by affected parents following a series of consultation events held earlier in the year hosted by SANDS Lothian, SiMBA and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Dorothy Maitland, former SANDS Operation Manager, said: “I think it’s very important to have a memorial and I know some parents will find it very difficult to go back to Mortonhall but I’m hoping that they will change their mind when they see the garden.

“Some parents are still finding it so difficult to accept what happened that right now a memorial is not of any comfort. I really hope that in time when they heal a bit more that they will be able to visit the garden and have their baby’s name added and find comfort by doing this.

“It means so much to many parents to have somewhere where they can go that is nice and tranquil. It shows to everyone that each of these babies matters whether their names are on the memorial or not – it’s for all babies.

“Obviously there has been a lot of hurt but the Council have taken what has happened very seriously and made sure all of Dame Elish’s recommendations have been met. The memorial has been done in a very sensitive way which speaks volumes.”

Becky Govier, owner of Green Edge, said: “I wanted to create something that would reflect what the parents wanted – most importantly a space and garden they would feel comfortable in. The circular shape feels like two large hands that are coming together, embracing and protecting those within.

“The garden design unites the wishes of parents for a contemplative space with a water feature. It also recognises both the rustic and the contemporary spirit of the setting. I hope we have created a garden that gives some comfort to the parents.”

Dame Sue Bruce, former Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This has been a very difficult process for so many people over the past three years so I want to acknowledge my personal appreciation of the support and feedback from parents in helping choose such a fitting memorial.

“The design reflects their wishes for a garden that will provide a private and peaceful place for personal contemplation and reflection.”

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The work of the Mortonhall Multi-Agency Working Group will continue so nothing like this can happen again. Lessons have been learnt and the action plan produced last year has now been fully implemented so we can ensure the highest possible standards are adhered to at Mortonhall.”

In line with parents’ wishes an alternative memorial is being proposed as some families had strong views that they did not wish to return to Mortonhall. The preferred location for the second memorial is Princes Street Gardens.

The creation of a memorial was one of the 22 recommendations in Mortonhall Investigation report produced by Dame Elish Angiolini and commissioned by Sue Bruce in January 2013 after concerns were raised about practices at the crematorium.

The remit was to establish the facts regarding practices relating to the cremation of babies at Mortonhall Crematorium and to learn lessons that will ensure best practice for the future.

Dame Elish interviewed bereaved families, current and former members of crematorium staff, representatives from funeral directors, staff from other crematoria, support groups and health professionals and took opinion from experts in the field of human anthropology, law and forensic accountancy. The report, with annexes, extends to over 600 pages in total.

As a direct result the City of Edinburgh Council created a multi-agency working group which consists of representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS Lothian, SANDS Lothian, Sands UK, SiMBA, Mortonhall Ashes Action Committee, funeral directors, Edinburgh Crematorium Ltd and council officials to draw up an action plan to implement Dame Elish’s recommendations.