Funeral directors in strath welcome live-streaming service at Inverness Crematorium

Funeral directors and community leaders in the strath have welcomed a trial to provide live-streaming of services at Inverness Crematorium.

The broadcasting facility, to be provided free initially, was launched on Friday after testing last week.

At present the number of mourners who can attend a funeral service at the local authority owned crematorium is limited to just 20 people because of the coronavirus restrictions.

There have been calls for several months now for the web streaming facilities to be installed as they are at many other venues already including churches.

Grieving relatives have faced a bill of nearly £800 for freelance coverage of funerals of a loved one or else had to use Skype, Zoom or a similar app on their own devices to share services with those unable to attend.

Jamie Rodgers, of Aviemore-based Jamie R Rodgers Funeral Directors, has welcomed the move but said it was long overdue: “It’s very disappointing that the live-streaming facility has taken so long to be put in place especially during the pandemic when family and friends can’t travel.

“I’ve had to hire in live streamers at vast expense and also had to use mobile devices so that loved ones can attend the service and pay their respects in some way.

“Families in the Highlands have had to pay more money than in other parts of the country where live- streaming is on offer just so that the can say their goodbyes.”

He added: “Buckie Crematorium offers streaming at £25 which is good value and it will be interesting to see what the council charges at Inverness once the trial is all over.”

Nikki Ross, boss of John Ross Funeral Services Ltd in Grantown, said they had held several discussions with council officials since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic on getting broadcasting facilities at the crematorium.

She said: “We have been keen to offer a live broadcast service as we believe that this is of great comfort to the many families we look after and their family members who are unable to attend funeral services of loved ones due to the current restrictions.

“Highland Council has said since the beginning of the pandemic that they have been investigating the options to provide this facility.

“I believe that they now have the equipment and are almost in a position to be able use it.

“We have been able to offer live broadcasting during funeral services via FaceTime, Skype and Zoom and have been able to connect families in the crematorium, in churches and at the graveside.

“Many families have also asked us to video the funeral service for them and we are then able to provide a link to video recording of the service which can be shared which is appreciated by those who cannot attend.

“As a member of a family which has suffered a bereavement during this time, it meant a great deal to us that my brother (Calum), who lives in America, was able to attend my dad Johnny’s funeral via FaceTime.

“It brought a lot of comfort to us as a family that we were able to share this sad but special event together.”

Local Highland councillor Muriel Cockburn said: “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 why the only local crematorium should not be able to offer this service too.

“Funeral costs can be a huge financial strain on families at the most challenging time.

“This is a small compassionate service that could easily be part of the fees and see no reason why this technology should not be available permanently.”

A Highland Council spokesman said the streaming service was being offered on a trial basis and initially this service will be free of charge.

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