A DYING SHAME
Mourners’ anger over restrictions at crematoriums as funeral services are cut back
FUNERALS are set to be squeezed into 20-minute slots to cope with a spike in coronavirus deaths.
And undertakers have told how restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend services have sparked angry outbursts from relatives unable to give their loved ones the send-off they feel they deserve.
The Record has been told bosses at some crematoriums have drawn up contingency plans to cut the length of services and if demand gets too high, measures are in place to bring in “direct cremations” – with no service or mourners present.
A spokesperson for Scotland’s largest local authority, Glasgow City Council, said: “Should we see a significant increase in demand, we would anticipate a move towards direct cremations.”
Daily conference calls are taking place between undertakers, health boards and councils to deal with emerging issues.
One undertaker told how mourners have reacted angrily to attendance restrictions, with lockdown rules limiting funerals to immediate family members only.
The undertaker said: “There is increased tension and anger on top of all the other very raw emotions people experience at such a difficult time. Some families are more understanding of the times we are in than others.
“We’re having to apply rules that previously would have been unthinkable, such as limiting services from a maximum of 20 mourners down to two, depending on the size of the chapel.
“Most crematoriums are allowing a maximum of 10 mourners but numbers are under review and may be reduced. And some are already saying they will only do direct cremations.
“We’ve also had to ban limousines. Mourners may have a hearse followed by a car with a few people in it, and that’s it. Emotions spill
over as people feel their loved ones deserve a better send-off.”
He added: “We have heard talk of 24/7 cremations but the practical reality is that cremators have to cool down and be restarted again to operate properly, so that would not be an option.”
Dom Maguire, chairman of funeral directors Anderson Maguire, said: “We have ongoing protocols with small numbers of mourners, no shaking of hands and family members not being allowed to carry coffins of the deceased. That takes a toll on people’s emotions.
There has been a bit of anger from mourners at the extraordinary situation they have found themselves in.
“Our main concerns are looking after the health and well-being of staff, the health and dignity of mourners and ensuring ceremonies are carried out in as dignified a manner as circumstances allow.”
Maguire said a “new kind” of funeral has emerged. He said: “Families are forming guards of honour with appropriate spacing on the street.”
A Glasgow Crematorium spokesman said families have accepted and adapted to social distancing rules.
He said: “We have been amenable to anything that can be accommodated within the safety rules.
“Services have been beamed back to families in their homes via FaceTime, WhatsApp etc. I know that has given a bit of comfort to some.
“It’s not a traditional funeral experience but we are doing what we can to take the added stress out it. Families might take up the option of memorial services later in the year.”