Bow your head as a mark of respect
Kind-hearted Buddies are being asked bow their head when they see a hearse passing in the street.
Funeral bosses said the simple gesture will bring a sense of comfort and respect to relatives grieving the loss of a loved one, especially during this difficult time.
Strict social distancing measures have severely limited the number of mourners attending ceremonies in Renfrewshire.
Services at Woodside Crematorium are limited to only 20 family members and wellwishers paying their respects.
Church services and cemetery internments have also been drastically cutting back on attendees, with gatherings sometimes reduced to single figures because of the risk the virus is placing on the public.
A leading undertaker in the town, Kenneth Keegan Independent Funeral Directors, is asking people to make a simple gesture of bowing their heads when they see hearse passing them by.
Kenneth said: “Social distancing measures mean that the number of family members and mourners attending funerals has been vastly reduced.
“That means a lot of people, such as relatives, friends and neighbours, have been missing out in paying their respects.
“It used to be the case years ago that, when people saw a hearse passing, they would bow their heads as a mark of respect. Back then, it was common for everyone to do it.
“With the coronavirus situation it would be a nice gesture for families if people were to do this for them as they are attending a funeral of a loved one.”
Kenneth told how at a recent funeral in Renfrew, mourners who were unable to attend gathered outside the deceased man’s local pub.
The hearse passed by and slowed down as his friends waited outside the pub, which has been closed, and the group of pals bowed their heads and clapped in tribute to their friend.
Kenneth added: “The hearse slowed down and they bowed and clapped for the gentleman. It was a lovely gesture.
“It is one thing people can do that doesn’t cost anything, yet it brings a sense of appreciation and comfort to the family.
“I would ask people to remember when they see a hearse, the car travelling behind will be the immediate family, as limousines are not being used, and it would bring great comfort to the family for them to bow and show their respect.”
It would bring great comfort to the family for them to bow and show their respect