With questions arising about the continuity of funeral services, we’ve been able to reassure families in areas that we operate, that coronavirus plans have been in place across our company for some time.

Currently, while the embalming, viewing and the funeral service may be impacted, funerals for deceased would not.

Coverage in the national press today revealed out some of the ways we have equipped ourselves in response to a fast-evolving situation. Says Chairman Tim Purves: “We operate on-call 24/7 365days a year and are primed to work around the clock to serve our communities and enable families to say goodbye to their loved ones in a safe manner.

“If the decision is taken to prevent funeral services from taking place, we will follow that advice but seek ways to enable families to participate. This may involve live streaming a service online, enabling the family to see a coffin arrive, or to virtually attend a cremation.

“Our team is well-equipped with all the appropriate safety clothing and we have access to a stock of coffins and large mortuary facility should the situation worsen.

“We will be there to provide support throughout and will work with families to help coordinate services even if this means delaying the key celebration of life element that is central to so many funeral services

Local cemeteries and crematoria are also exploring out of hours cover.

W.G. Catto continues to closely monitor the situation and the guidance coming from the UK and Scottish Governments as well as our governing body, the National Association of Funeral Directors.

We have been providing funeral services for five generations and our values of compassion, dedication, integrity and respect will continue to shape our commitment to the families we look after in the coming months.

Scotsman
https://www.scotsman.com/health/scotlands-funeral-directors-plan-24-hour-cremations-and-funeral-broadcasts-deal-potential-deaths-resulting-coronavirus-2448944

Edinburgh Evening News
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/scotlands-funeral-directors-plan-24-hour-cremations-and-funeral-broadcasts-deal-potential-deaths-resulting-coronavirus-2448944

The Sun
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5383566/coronavirus-scotland-cases-old-firm-rangers-celtic-big-weekend-emergency/

The Daily Record
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-funeral-directors-plans-24-21686895

Mirror
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/coronavirus-plans-funerals-phone-24-21686122