Local minister backs campaign to have funerals live-streamed from Greenock Crematorium

Reverend William Boyle, of Port Glasgow New Parish Church, says it would comfort grieving families to know that people who are not able to attend - because of the pandemic or other reasons - are able to 'be there' in another way.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to Inverclyde Council claiming that it is one of the only places in the country not to offer live streaming, almost a year since funeral restrictions were first implemented.

Mr Boyle said: "I think it would be ideal to have facilities at Greenock Crematorium for the family to have an option of live streaming if they wish.

"It would be hugely beneficial in this time of public health restrictions when there are a lot of people out there who would wish to be at the funeral to pay their respects but can't.

"Due to restrictions, families are having to choose between 20 people.

"Even in normal times it would also be ideal because there will be people who simply can't be at the crematorium, perhaps because of where they live.

"I have experienced situations where someone is unwell or in hospital and would like to be there but are unable to attend."

Mr Boyle says the current restrictions make a sad and stressful time even harder for grieving families.

He said: "I have noticed that some people will bring mobile phones and record services for those who couldn't make it because of restrictions.

"If the funeral was live-streamed it would be open to everyone who wanted to pay their respects."

Amy Mathieson, 25, set up the petition following the death of a loved one.

She said: "A close family member had died and his sisters who live in Australia are upset because they will not be able to take part in his funeral.

"Their other brother died in Australia and we were all able to be part of that.

"We were told that we could record it ourselves on phones or laptops, but the sound system is very poor.

"I know someone who did that and couldn't hear a thing.

"Greenock is probably one of the only places in Scotland where the crematorium doesn't have the facility to stream funerals.

"Largs has the facility but we don't."

Municipal Buildings bosses today told the Tele they plan to introduce streaming as part of an investment at the crematorium.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “We understand the distress of not being able to give those dear to us the sort of send-off we’re used to because of the pandemic and associated safety restrictions.

“Our staff have worked incredibly hard alongside funeral directors to ensure families affected by bereavement can honour their loved ones as fully as possible within the guidelines.

“Since the start of the pandemic families have had the opportunity to film or stream services to share with those who sadly cannot attend in person as they see fit.

“While this isn’t for everyone, the option is there and we will help to facilitate that in any way we can.

“Unfortunately we currently do not have the necessary infrastructure in place to routinely film or stream services ourselves but this is something we are planning to deliver as part of our upgraded work at the crematorium which also includes the replacement of the cremator.”