Ashes to ashes above the clouds

The system deploys the ashes to scatter freely

A Scottish pilot has come up with a high-pressure system to propel cremated ashes from aircraft to ensure they are scattered to the winds.

Jim McTaggart, from North Berwick, developed the system to avoid remains becoming plastered to the aircraft or even sucked into the cockpit.

Mr McTaggart said trials had proved popular with relatives and that some funeral directors had shown interest.

An application has been made to patent the ashes-firing system.

Mr McTaggart believes that most people experience problems when trying to drop ashes from the air.

He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "The poor departed-one generally ends up inside a vacuum cleaner rather than the clean air round an airplane.

Mr McTaggart hopes to offer a full commercial service

"Unfortunately, the 150 mph wind running round an airplane causes all sorts of changes in pressure and generally blows it back in, or it at least sticks to the airplane.

"The ashes weigh about 3kg and are about 3 litres in volume - the compounded bits are more like a gravel."

The stunt pilot, who has experience of crop-dusting in the US, said his compressed air device was fairly simple and blew the ashes completely clear of the air-frame.

The 55-year-old flies out of Archerfield, 20 miles east of Edinburgh, which is home to The Duke of Hamilton, who is a fellow display pilot.

He has already used the system for friends and family over the Isle of Bute, the Lake District, and East Lothian where he lives.

"My second system is where the ashes are suspended in the gas oil that forms part of the smoke system so you get a lovely plume of symbolic smoke," he added.

"I think it's rather touching, a beautiful aeroplane and the symbolic trail of smoke."

To drop ashes, Mr McTaggart said permission was needed from the landowner and also from the Civil Aviation Authority, under the Air Navigation Order which covers the dropping of articles.

The cost of the service will begin at about £650, based on two hours flying in Mr McTaggart's 1930s-style bi-planes, with prices varying according to the distance covered.