ONLY five mourners will be allowed to attend the graveside or crematorium following the death of a loved one under new Scottish Government instructions in force for the coronavirus outbreak.

As cases of Covid-19 continue to rise, funeral directors and ministers have been told to advise grieving families that they will need to choose who is going to attend a funeral.

A spokesperson for Clydebank Co-operative funeral care said: “This morning the council informed us that a five person limit would be applied to all funerals.

“This is with immediate effect, so we have had to phone families who are due to have a service today to tell them the council’s advice.

“It is incredibly sad. Grief is a horrible experience for anyone, and to then have to select who is ‘important’ enough to say their goodbyes – it’s really horrible for the family.”

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A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “In line with government guidance, we have introduced a five person limit for all cremation services and burials held at our facilities.

“This decision to restrict attendance is among a range of measures being implemented to limit the spread of the Covid-19, including asking guests to refrain from handshaking, and the removal of song books and the book of remembrance.

“We understand this is a difficult time for families and apologise for any inconvenience or upset this may cause.

“We will continue to work closely with them to fully support them and make arrangements in a sensitive way.”

Knightswood Co-operative funeral care have also been advised by Glasgow City Council that there will be drastic and significant cuts to services, expected to be outlined in the next few days.

There has been no information as to how this new regulation will be policed.