Visitors see behind the scenes at funeral home
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A DOORS open day with a difference could be held at a Ross-shire funeral home following the success of a similar venture at its base in the Highland capital.
The proprietor of John Fraser & Son funeral directors, who have also established a base in Dingwall, revealed the plans after more than 100 people turned up for a behind-the-scenes look at their premises in Chapel Street in Inverness.
The main reason for holding the Doors Open Day was to try to explain how the business looks after the people in its care, and also to let people know what their options might be when it comes to funerals.
Visitors saw various rooms, including where coffins and caskets were on display, the mortuary and the embalming suite.
There was also the opportunity to see the workshops and to watch the firm’s monumental sculptors.
Proprietor Vicki Fraser said: "We had no idea how many people would turn up and we are delighted that so many people were interested to see what we do here behind the scenes between getting the call to remove someone after their death, and the funeral service.
"We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to the day, and there were lots of people who phoned us to say there were interested in coming along but they couldn’t make it.
"We will certainly do this again, and in our funeral home in Dingwall, but if anyone is keen to visit us any time they should give us a call and arrange an appointment."
One visitor, who did not want to be named, said: "It was great to see round the facilities. It’s not at all like I expected; the mortuary was more like an operating theatre in a hospital.
"It was very reassuring to see the stethoscope on the wall and that they always check for a heartbeat – just in case. I enjoyed being able to ask questions that I don’t suppose I’d have the presence of mind to ask if I was grieving."
Ms Fraser added: "Everyone who came was genuinely interested to see what we do, and many people commented that they hadn’t realised how much is involved, from furnishing the coffins to choosing and preparing a memorial.
"People asked all sorts of interesting questions, including about the personal items that can be placed in a coffin before burial and cremation, about pacemakers, about the embalming process, and about different options for the disposal or safe-keeping of ashes.
"We did have people in our care on the day and had explained to the families in advance that the Doors Open Day would be happening. They were all reassured that the dignity and privacy of their loved ones would be respected."
