InternationalThursday, 5 March 2026·The Hindu
Scotland becomes first UK nation to legalise water cremations
Scotland approved regulations in March 2026 to allow alkaline hydrolysis, becoming the first UK nation to legalise water cremations.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2026, the Scottish Parliament approved regulations allowing water cremations, or alkaline hydrolysis, making Scotland the first nation in the United Kingdom to legalise the process.
Key specifics
- Water cremation is also called resomation and aquamation.
- The process uses water and alkali, typically potassium hydroxide.
- It is heated to around 150–180°C under pressure.
- The method reduces the body to bone fragments and a sterile liquid effluent.
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland still do not permit the process.
Exam lens
International current affairs question type: law, place and scientific process; remember Scottish Parliament, March 2026, alkaline hydrolysis, and the 150–180°C range.