Exclusive pictures obtained by Edinburgh Live today show the terrifying reality of how bodies may need to be stored during the coronavirus outbreak.
A large makeshift morgue has been constructed beside a residential street in Liberton, in easy viewing distance of local residents who were watching from their windows.
Mortonhall crematorium can currently hold 12 bodies, however the added extension is thought to have room for 100 victims, meaning the new capacity will be 112.
Here is what it looks like:
The makeshift mortuary is partially shielded by fencing, but the roof is clearly visible:
The building could be mistaken for an event space or marquee at first glance.
The facility has space for 100 bodies, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.
The Edinburgh Evening News also reported that a smaller temporary morgue is in place at the Cowgate.
They say that "number of top-level officials and senior councillors have been involved in the decision" which has been reached “with care, dignity, security and safety in mind”.
Council Leader Adam McVey commented on the temporary mortuary plans, saying:
“At this moment of national emergency, in common with other local authorities, we need to take additional action to prepare for the challenges we may face in future.
“For this reason, we have taken the difficult decision to put in place additional temporary facilities at Mortonhall Crematorium in the event there are a higher number of deaths than our existing facilities can cope with.
“Our shared ambition must be that we do not need to use them.”
