Mortonhall launches virtual tour to ‘demystify’ cremation process

Edinburgh’s Grade A-listed Mortonhall Crematorium has opened up its doors to the world with a virtual tour of the facility.

The crematorium was designed by renowned architect Sir Basil Spence and opened in 1967. The tour shows the welcoming reception area and family room along with the two chapels where services are held. The tour ends in the area where cremations take place in hopes to “demystify the process”.

Environment Convener councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “I know from firsthand experience how daunting an experience it is for bereaved families making funeral arrangements.

“This pioneering new feature at Mortonhall Crematorium has been welcomed by city funeral directors as a way of ‘demystifying’ the process and I’m sure families will find it very helpful to take the virtual tour when they’re planning their loved one’s final send-off.”

Robert Swanson QPM, Scottish government inspector of cremations, added: “‘This innovative production provides an excellent unrestricted insight into public and private areas of Mortonhall Crematorium.

“ I consider it will be of particular benefit to bereaved families who have never before been to the Crematorium, by knowing in advance what to expect. I welcome all such measures taken by Cremation Authorities which are designed to help reduce the level of stress and apprehension of the bereaved during their attendance at the Crematorium.”

The Council has also commissioned virtual tours of Mortonhall and Craigmillar Castle Park Cemeteries, which are currently in development.