An emergency morturary has been constructed on the outskirts of Perth as part of “worst case scenario” plans for tackling the coronavirus crisis.
Scotland’s deputy first minister John Swinney said the best way to ensure the site was never needed was for people to resist the temptation to meet up or gather in public places this Easter weekend.
A large walk-in freezer unit has been installed at the former Travis Perkins site at the Inveralmond industrial estate.
Perth and Kinross Council said it had worked with neighbouring councils, the local health board and police to set up the temprary service, but hoped it would not have to use it.
Mr Swinney said: “The news that Perth and Kinross Council have, as a precaution, constructed an emergency morgue is a reminder of just how serious a challenge we are all facing.
“It is also a reminder of our individual responsibilities, and that by following Government instructions we can literally save lives.
“To that end, I am hopeful that people will not use this holiday weekend, and the potential for better weather, as an excuse to ignore the very necessary lockdown instructions that are currently in place.
“By following guidance and being mindful of the consequences of our actions, we can all hopefully ensure that the facility at Inveralmond never has to be put into use.”
Joiners, electricians, council officers and specialists from container firm Arctic Store have been working at the Inveralmond Road site.
Green tarpaulins have been hung from the fences around the compound, partially protecting the green and yellow building and its timber yard from view.
The local authority said it had been asked to provide a safe and considerate site to use if needed, and identified the quiet corner of the industrial estate.
The premises has been vacant since builders’ merchants Travis Perkins relocated to Perth’s Dunkeld Road.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Our first priority is ensuring that the deceased are treated with dignity and respect, as their families will rightly expect.
“Perth and Kinross Council has worked with partners, including the other Police Scotland, Tayside councils and NHS Tayside, to plan for the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
“As part of this ‘reasonable worst case scenario’ contingency planning, we have been asked to provide a discreet, secure premises for use as an extension of funeral directors’ facilities, if required.
“We have provided such a facility and, of course, we very much hope it will not be needed.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “The Scottish Government and local authorities across Scotland are taking steps to review, and in some cases expand, existing mortuary facilities.
“While we hope that these additional facilities will not be needed, it is important that we are ready for any possible scenarios.”
