Hall of Remembrance
(Kaimhill Crematorium, Aberdeen Crematorium)

A memorial hall and garden situated around a former crematorium building in the Kaimhill district of Aberdeen, the Hall of Remembrance lies 2 miles (3 km) southwest of the city centre. Aberdonians may still record the names of their loved ones in a Book of Remembrance here and the garden remains in use for the scattering of ashes.

Kaimhill (once also known as Aberdeen Crematorium) was the city's first, built here between 1935-37, the work of architects Rollo and Hall. It was operated by Aberdeen Corporation. This crematorium was at the centre of a scandal in 1944, when its manager James Dewar, who was also a town councillor, was charged with selling oak coffin lids. Good wood was rare by this stage of World War II and the lids were reused to make everything from writing bureaux to tea trays and rabbit hutches.

The building was extended in 1953 but closed after a new crematorium opened at Hazelhead in 1975. The Hall and Garden of Remembrance are now maintained by Aberdeen City Council.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry