Crematorium plaque commemorates ‘silent teachers’

The plaque was unveiled by the University of Dundee’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), where up to 100 people each year donate their bodies to help to train the next generation of doctors, scientists, dentists and surgeons.

Some donors’ families choose not to have their loved ones remains returned after cremation and their ashes are scattered in the Crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance instead.

CAHID Manager, Vivienne McGuire MBE, said that the idea behind the plaque was to provide relatives with somewhere to remember their loved ones.

“We are very grateful to those who donate their remains to the University,” she said.

“The people of Tayside have always been very generous in donating their bodies so that others may learn, and their invaluable contribution to student learning, pioneering medical research and surgical training is never taken for granted. Their loved ones should be very proud of their selfless decision to donate.

“We are delighted to unveil the plaque that serves as a reminder of the valuable act of those who donated their remains to the University and show further appreciation to our donors and their families by providing a spot where families can visit.”

An annual service is also held at the University’s Chaplaincy Centre to honour those whose remarkable gift helps advance medical training and scientific research after their death.