WATCHING your loved one's cremation service online is going to cost you as Fife Council introduce new charges.

From next Thursday, the council will introduce fees for live webcasting of crematoria services in Dunfermline.

Local MSP Annabelle Ewing has described the decision as "really not the right thing to be doing".

Due to the pandemic, coronavirus restrictions limit the number of guests at funerals in the Kingdom, and those unable to attend have been able to watch remotely - for free - since May.

However, that is set to change with a £30 cost for a live showing at the time of the service, or £45 for a live service plus access to watch for another 28 days.

A recording of the webcast on DVD, Blu-ray or USB in a presentation case will also cost £50.

The webcast costs are a one-off fee which will provide the host with a password to give out to those who want to watch the service remotely.

Alan Paul, senior manager, confirmed the council is introducing a charge for the webcasting of funerals from the beginning of April.

He explained: “Introducing charges for the services we provide are never easy decisions to make.

"Our employees in bereavement services have worked hard over the last year to provide the best service possible under the most challenging of circumstances, supporting bereaved families.

“However we have to invest if we are to continue to improve the services we provide, and look after the cemeteries in our care.

“We will continue to work closely with funeral directors to make sure that any families experiencing difficulties with the cost of a funeral are supported."

The issue was raised to Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing by a local funeral directors.

She said that she has written to Fife Council urging the local authority to rethink the decision.

"I just feel that surely, at the present time, this is really not the right thing to be doing," she said.

"Certainly look again once we're through the pandemic and on the other side in terms of not having such restrictions.

"I think it's probably a decision that's been made without thinking through all the ramifications.

"At the present time, I think somebody has just not thought this through - I hope that's the explanation."

It was reported in May last year that the council had introduced free webcasts of cremation services.

At the time, councillor Craig Walker, convener of the council's assets, property and facilities committee, said: "We are pleased that we are now able to provide this live-streaming service for mourners.

"We hope that this will provide some comfort to families and friends, who will now be able to take up the live-streaming service regardless of their circumstances."

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor for Cowdenbeath, Darren Watt said: "I only learned of this last night and I am completely opposed to this careless and insensitive plan.

"Over the last year, many grieving families and friends couldn't physically attend funeral services and pay their respects to lost loved ones, but a live streaming service was seen as a welcome alternative.

"However, for Fife Council to even contemplate charging for the privilege is beyond belief and comes across as heartless, especially as we're still in the midst of a pandemic.  

"I have emailed the relevant Council officer and strongly urged they scrap such plans immediately."