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Westerleigh Group is set to offer Scotland’s first “experiential” crematorium service in East Lothian this autumn, which will allow for personalised funeral ceremonies using advanced audio-visual technology.
East Lothian Crematorium, located near Edinburgh and developed by Westerleigh, will be the first in the country to feature immersive services incorporating wall projections, soundscapes and lighting effects tailored to the lives of the deceased.
The system, delivered in partnership with audio-visual supplier Obitus, enables families to display dynamic imagery on the chapel’s front wall, referred to as “the canvas”. Themes such as waterfalls, seasonal scenes or even football stadiums can be chosen, with lighting and music aligned to create a bespoke atmosphere.
Darren Daughters, head of division at Westerleigh Group, said: “East Lothian Crematorium will be one of the most modern, environmentally-friendly facilities of its kind in the country, offering local families the exceptional care and support that Westerleigh Group has built its reputation on.
“We’re pleased with the installation of the innovative technology in the crematorium, enabling the bereaved in Edinburgh and beyond to have a choice of using canvas wall as an option for their loved one’s service.”
The chapel will also include digital gallery walls and welcome screens to display images of the deceased.
The expansion of this offering in Scotland builds on the success of its Gedling site in Nottinghamshire, where a similar service was introduced in 2023.
According to Westerleigh Group, 99% of families at Gedling had opted to include the immersive features in funeral services. Feedback from mourners described the installations as adding “a truly personal touch”.
