A Moray funeral director is using modern technology to ensure mourners can continue to pay their last respects from afar.
Government rules brought in following the lockdown have led to fewer than 10 people attending services – meaning even close family and friends are sometimes missing the opportunity to say their final farewells to loved ones.
However, undertakers Frank McLean and Son, who have chapels in Keith, Buckie and Aberlour, have been making use of the internet to ensure people can still be a part of funerals even if they cannot attend.
The firm began investigating the possibility of streaming funerals online 15 years ago but only installed the technology four years ago once the equipment became more accessible.
Director Philip McLean explained the concept had been a “great comfort” to people who would otherwise have missed out.
He said: “Family members have also been able to contribute and participate in the funeral service by providing a recording prior to the funeral.
“We’ve received numerous positive responses from families who have used it, it’s beneficial for resolving grief and by creating a sense of community when saying farewell to loved ones.
“Initially we investigated it for people who live overseas or who are maybe working, but it’s become a lot more relevant due to the current circumstances.”
Mr McLean explained that mourners have been taking part from as far as India and America in recent weeks.
The system works with a recording being able to view on a secure website accessed by a password specific to the service.
Mr McLean added: “The recording can also be incorporated in to any future celebration of life service that the family may choose to host, once the restrictions are lifted.”
