There have been radical changes in funeral customs in Dundee, and indeed most of urban Scotland over the past 50 years. Some are very welcome, others, perhaps, less so.
Customs that have been largely lost:

• 50 years ago it was the accepted norm to bring the deceased ‘home’ until the funeral service
• It was the custom to have a minister or priest say a prayer in the house with the immediate family, or to have a church service before proceeding to the burial or cremation
• There was no such thing as a printed order of service
• ‘Mourning’ clothes were worn. Black was almost obligatory
• Only the minister or priest spoke
• Music was sombre and singing was limited to Psalms or Hymns
• Where it was a burial, it was men only at the graveside
• The ‘reception’ after the funeral was more often than not back at the deceased’s home
• The food (or purvey as it was known) was usually provided by friends and neighbours
• There was an obligatory wee whiskey for the men and a sherry for the women. Irn Bru for the children

Customs that have come into practice.

• The deceased lies in an undertaker’s viewing room until the funeral
• Undertakers today have service rooms where often there is a ceremony before moving to the crematorium or cemetery
• There is usually a printed order of service with a photo of the deceased
• Often people are invited to wear bright clothes
• The tone is likely to be one of celebration and secular music is often played – eg something that had been a favourite of the deceased. A Burns’ song like ‘A man’s a man for a’ that’ might be sung
• Often a eulogy or remembrance is spoken by a member or a friend of the family
• Whether a cremation or a burial, women attend
• A collection is usually taken for a charity like Cancer Research or something that was dear to the deceased
• The ‘reception’ is usually in a local hotel or clubbie

We would stress that the funeral of your loved one is a very personal thing and can be the mix of old and new customs that are right for you and your family. These are among the things that the staff at Funeral Link will be happy to offer guidance.