Celebrant calls for upgrades to Clydebank Crematorium after U-turn

James O'Neill said: “Clydebank Crematorium respectfully is not in the 21st century compared to others in the west of Scotland.”

He explained that Clydebank is the only crematorium, alongside the one in Argyll and Bute, that cannot supply media services, like streaming options or an Obitus system. These services can be used by families with relatives living abroad to attend the service online, and they allow photo/video tributes to be shared and uploaded, as well as music streaming during the ceremony.

James O'Neill (Image: Colin Mearns)

He added: “These are, what some might consider, less important factors, but families are paying for a service that ultimately is not being provided.

“Yet it has been pointed out at the council meeting that the crematorium is one of the few departments within the council that brings revenue in, and quite substantial revenue,” he added, arguing this service needs to be invested in as a result.

His reaction comes after the council reversed their decision to cut Saturday services and weekend access to the hall of remembrance, due to community outrage.

Speaking on this, he said: “I am glad that the council have reversed their decision, however, I am still extremely upset at the fact that the community have, in my opinion, been discriminated against because of poor decision-making by ill‑informed council members who made the initial decision.

“We need some sort of accountability for the initial decision, and my understanding is that no responsibility has been accepted.”

Clydebank Crematorium (Image: Colin Mearns)

The initial decision to reduce the services was based on figures in a report that assumed people would rebook weekday slots after weekend ones were made unavailable.

In reaction to this, he said: “It’s a slap in the face.

“The reality is, and as a celebrant, I am witnessing this, most weeks a lot of our families have working commitments, and it suits them to be able to book a Saturday service at the crematorium.

“I don't mean to sound mercenary, but people have also paid exceptionally high money to have inscriptions placed in that book.

"My main concern going forward is that, unless departmental heads make informed decisions to council members, then council members are not in a position to scrutinise that information before making the ultimate decision which impacts the community.”

The hall of remembrance (Image: Colin Mearns)

He highlighted the local independent councillor, James Bollan’s role in reversing this decision.

He said that without Councillor Bollan, “We would still be in a position where the community hasn't been listened to or represented appropriately.”

He highlighted his gratitude to the elected members for reversing this decision but drew attention to the damage this decision has done to both the crematorium and the community.

He said: “I have no confidence that whilst the decision has been reversed, that when council meet again, they may reconsider and say, ‘well, the cremation services on a Saturday are quite minimal.’

“Now that is only to be expected because people are now of the mindset, especially funeral directors, that Clydebank Crematorium does not do Saturday morning cremations.”

Moving forward his main concern is that accountability needs to be accepted so that public faith in the crematorium’s future is restored, which he says faces a difficult road to recovery.

He said: “I want an overall apology to the community via the Clydebank Post."

A spokesperson for the council refused to comment on specific points raised by Mr O'Neill above, but said: "Following a decision at a council meeting last week, work has commenced to reintroduce Saturday cremations and weekend access to the hall of remembrance at Clydebank Crematorium."