Helensburgh and Lomond's MSP has demanded tougher regulation of the funeral sector.

Jackie Baillie wrote to First Minister John Swinney calling for action in the wake of an investigation into a funeral director near Helensburgh.

Argyll and Bute Council wrote to eight families who believed their relatives had been through Cardross Crematorium. The correct remains were passed to their loved ones following a police search.

Three people have been arrested under Operation Koine into A. Milne Independent Funeral Directors, who had premises in Dumbarton and in the Springburn area of Glasgow.

Ms Baillie said she met with grieving relatives who feared the ashes of their loved ones had been misplaced.

Others lost thousands of pounds after the firm went bust despite having pre-paid funeral plans.

The Financial Compensation Authority said A. Milne was never authorised to sell such plans.

Ms Baillie said legislation has been on the statute books since 2016 but has not yet been implemented.

The MSP said: “I believe that there are many, many more people affected by this heartbreaking scandal.

“Some people have lost money, and many others are not sure if the ashes they were given were those of their loved ones.

"All of them have been deceived at a time when they were vulnerable.

“What this comes down to is a lack of regulation of the industry in the first place.

“The injustice experienced by my constituents and many others must be addressed and I am calling on the First Minister to accelerate the regulations and meet with the families affected.”

Liz Ruine, spokesperson for the support group, added: “Many families have been affected by the actions of those running A. Milne Funeral Directors.

“Many have lost money and others are struggling to come to terms with the emotional toll, given that they may never know whether they have their loved ones’ ashes.

"Others have been robbed of being able to deliver the last wishes of their relatives.

“The actions of those running A. Milne Funeral Directors are despicable.”