Funeral home opens doors for guided tours
AN Inverness funeral director is offering a unique opportunity for the public to see what goes on behind the scenes.
Vicki Fraser (pictured), proprietor of family firm John Fraser & Son, is opening the doors to the funeral home in Chapel Street, Inverness, between 10am and 4pm on Saturday.
The exterior of the premises has recently been refurbished and the grounds landscaped to give a more welcoming feel. Railings, lighting, trees and slabs were carefully chosen to be compatible with the ongoing Old Town and Academy Street heritage project.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the facility’s state-of-the-art service room and the home’s peaceful rest rooms.
Guided tours will take in the workshops in which coffins are furnished and finished to a family’s requirements, and there will be demonstrations from the firm’s stonemason while he engraves a memorial.
There will be an opportunity to see the mortuary and embalming suite. Staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Ms Fraser said: "Doors Open Days are becoming increasingly popular across Scotland. They give people an insight into what happens behind the ‘closed doors’ of art galleries, churches and theatres, and into the working parts of businesses that most people don’t get to see.
"Although it might be unusual for a funeral director to open their doors – we believe we are the first in the Highlands to offer this – we think people will find it interesting, and it might also help people to plan for what can be a very difficult time."
She added: "When it comes to saying goodbye to our loved ones, it can help to know in advance what to expect.
"Decisions have to be made, often quite quickly, so having an idea of what actually happens to your loved one before their funeral, and knowing what the various options are, might help a family reach the right decisions.
"Some people gain comfort from knowing that sharing their funeral wishes with their families can make an impact on how they will be remembered.
"And in turn, the family can take comfort in knowing that their loved one’s wishes have been fulfilled.
"Our aim with the Doors Open Day is to furnish people with as much information as they want, to help put their minds at rest. If people can’t make it on January 20 we are more than happy for anyone to see around our facilities at any time."
While the funeral home will still be operational during the Doors Open Day, Ms Fraser stressed that the privacy and dignity of the deceased will be preserved at all times.
