Inverness Crematorium to introduce broadcasting facilities on trial basis for funeral services
Preparations are under way at Inverness Crematorium for staff to offer web streaming as part of a funeral service to anyone who wishes it.
The opportunity for loved ones to broadcast services has been welcomed by local Highland councillors.
At present the number of mourners who can attend a ceremony at the crematorium is limited to just 20 people because of the coronavirus restrictions.
There have been calls for several months for the web streaming facilities to be installed as they are at many other venues including churches already.
Councillor Allan Henderson, chair of Highland Council’s communities and place committee, said: “We understand the difficulty that ongoing restrictions to funeral services due to the pandemic are having on those who are bereaved and our thoughts go to families and friends who have lost loved ones during this difficult time.
"However, I am pleased to announce that our bereavement services manager and the team at Inverness Crematorium are in the process of installing and testing the necessary equipment today.
"It is expected that the option to have services streamed can be offered by the end of this week on a trial basis.
“We hope families and friends grieving for loved ones will find having this option helpful while the Covid-19 restrictions on numbers able to attend funeral services in person are still in place.”
The council has confirmed that initially this service will be free of charge.
Some families have had to pay out nearly £800 for a private camera operator to broadcast services to family and friends unable to attend because of the restrictions, or rely on using social media apps such as What's App and Messenger to cover funerals.
Badenoch and Strathspey Highland councillor Muriel Cockburn said: "The final farewell of a loved one if a family wish should be able to be captured in digital format.
"Any comfort and inclusion that extended family members can get access to is hugely important.
"Many churches have adopted this and I see no reason that the only crematorium should not be able to offer this service on a permanent basis."
Highland Council convener Bill Lobban said: "One of the most difficult times anyone will ever face is dealing with the death of a loved one. This move by Highland Council to introduce a streaming service will hopefully help ease the heartache of not being able to attend a funeral service in person."
