An official correction slip has been issued in April 2026 for Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 50, The Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 1) Regulations 2026, under the ‘Disposal of Human Remains’ heading. Published by the King’s Printer for Scotland, it confirms minor text and cross‑reference corrections within the instrument. (legislation.gov.uk)
As set out in the notice, Page 4, regulation 10(2) now uses “requirements” rather than “requirement”; Page 5, regulation 11(6) refers to “section 77(4)” not “section 77(2)”; and within Schedule 2 on Page 14, paragraph 1(23) now cites “section 85(1)(a)” and paragraph 1(30) cites “section 100(2)(d)”. These are wording updates to secure accurate cross‑references. (legislation.gov.uk)
Hydrolysis-often referred to as water cremation-was established in law by a two‑part package. The No. 1 Regulations extend Part 2 of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 to hydrolysis, with modifications; the companion No. 2 Regulations specify procedures, statutory application forms and registers for operators. (parliament.scot)
The Scottish Government laid the draft instruments on 3 December 2025, the Parliament approved them on 21 January 2026, and they took effect on 2 March 2026. Ministers described hydrolysis as the first new disposal option in more than a century, with 84% support reported in the 2023 consultation. (gov.scot)
For hydrolysis authorities, cremation authorities, funeral directors and local authorities, the correction slip’s effect is administrative. Organisations should update internal guidance, training materials and any locally reproduced statutory forms so that the corrected provisions-regulations 10(2) and 11(6), and Schedule 2-are cited accurately. (legislation.gov.uk)
Prospective operators must obtain necessary consents before offering services. Government assessments highlight the roles of Scottish Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and planning authorities in ensuring safe operation and appropriate infrastructure; committee scrutiny also recorded the Government’s position on cross‑border cases. (blogs.gov.scot)
Funeral Support Payment guidance has been updated to recognise alkaline hydrolysis as an eligible funeral type, while noting at publication that there were no providers in Scotland offering the service. From 2 March 2026, applications from prospective hydrolysis authorities can begin under the Regulations. (socialsecurity.gov.scot)
Policy Wire analysis: The correction brings precision to cross‑references rather than changing policy intent. During the early implementation window, disciplined document control and staff briefings will reduce the risk of avoidable refusals or record discrepancies.