At John Fraser & Son, we recognised some years ago that technology could help bring people together at times of sadness. So, we installed large screens and the facilities to livestream, as well as to utilise platforms such as Skype and Zoom in our Chapel Street funeral home. This means that we offer not only the opportunity to create a virtual congregation of those not able to attend in person, but also the opportunity to take part in the service. Those who are too far away or too infirm to attend in person, can both watch and take part in funerals. It is not uncommon for a eulogy or a poem to be read by a family member on the other side of the world, or for a relative in hospital to watch the service on an iPad.

Thankfully we have moved on from restricted gatherings and social distancing but our facilities are still invaluable in ‘virtually’ bringing people together. Friends and wider family members can both watch and participate, and services can also be recorded to be viewed later.