Council chiefs in Perth say they have been heartened by praise from the first mourners to use the region’s newly launched live-stream funeral service.
Perth and Kinross Council has set up a way to broadcast ceremonies online, so that friends and relatives can take part during lockdown.
Under new regulations, only immediate family members can attend funerals during the pandemic crisis.
The local authority said it was “crucial” to make the services accessible to the bereaved via a private web stream.
Feedback from families following the first such ceremonies has been “overwhelmingly positive”, Perth and Kinross Council said.
One mourner told the council, in a message shared by the authority: “The live video link meant many family members and friends could attend remotely. This gave us great comfort that so many people could be there to share the service.”
Another wrote: “I’m just thankful for the measures you put in place and hope other families can find some solace in your department’s efforts to make a difficult situation much more bearable.”
Barbara Renton, executive director of housing and environment said: “The introduction of the webcame for services at Perth Crematorium has been aimed at helping bereaved families to give their loved ones a proper farewell during the current lockdown.
“We recognise the value of using technology to bridge the gap and support people going through what is perhaps the hardest life experience of all, while ensuring they are protected by observing the national physical distancing regulations.”
She added: “The feedback we have had so far is extremely heartening and I am really pleased that providing this service is offering some extra comfort to families at a very difficult time.”
Tests were carried out at Perth Crematorium in the weeks leading up to the launch of the webcam.
The council said “due to the emotive nature of this service, we want to be certain that the quality and security of the link we are sending out to families can be guaranteed.”
Last months, a series of new guidelines were introduced to make services safer during the coronavirus outbreak.
These rules included a temporary ban on families carrying their loved one’s coffins and the removal of hymn books.
