Refurbishment will curtail services at crematorium

Details of the impact of the refurbishment of Perth Crematorium have been released by the council.

Services will be reduced and public access restricted from June 5 until early 2018 while the work is carried out.

The refurbishment will replace obsolete electrical and heating systems, replace the cremators and install equipment needed to meet air quality standards, while the chapel and family room will be redecorated and upgraded and a new office and reception area and toilet facilities added.

From June 5 until midSeptember, the crematorium will carry out cremations but will not be able to accommodate funeral services.

Cremation charges have been reduced to cover essential costs only during this period, in acknowledgement of the loss of the chapel for services.

The Book of Remembrance will be relocated to the library in the North Inch Community Campus so people can visit to see the entries.

From mid-September to midNovember the crematorium will close completely to allow the new cremators to be installed.

Alternative facilities at Dundee Crematorium, Fife’s crematoria at Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy and Falkirk Crematorium can be arranged through funeral directors.

Depute chief executive Jim Valentine said: “We are doing everything possible to minimise disruption during these essential works. The investment will provide much-enhanced facilities for mourners and an improved experience for the bereaved.”

He also thanked crematorium staff, local funeral directors and clergy for helping keep the crematorium running as smoothly as possible.