A church minister has blasted a council decision to replace an organist with a music streaming system at funerals.
South Ayrshire Council is getting rid of the organist post at Masonhill Crematorium in Ayr to save £19,000 in its latest budget.
Reverend Fraser Aitken has described the move as “vulgar” and “disgusting.”
The minister has been conducting funerals at the crematorium during the pandemic.
He said: “I feel it is dehumanising at what is a sensitive time in folk’s lives.
“It has been difficult enough not having physical contact and shaking hands with people. I feel it is a backward step rather than an improvement.”
The new system will broadcast and record services as well as play music.
Reverend Aitken, who is locum minister at St Nicholas Parish Church in Prestwick, said he refused training offered for the sound machine and voiced concerns about it breaking down.
He added: “There is nothing better than live music, nothing better.”
Grieving families can still arrange their own musician through funeral directors if they prefer. Reverend Aitken said he will recommend relatives choose an organist.
Conservative councillor Hugh Hunter said: “This is a blow for the organist who the council use. But if people want an organist they can still book one elsewhere.”
The change to funeral services is being introduced in the South Ayrshire Council budget, starting in April.
A council spokesman said: “We are investing in a new audio/visual system at Masonhill Crematorium. The system will allow us to broadcast services to family and friends who may not be able to attend due to COVID-19, illness or distance.
“The system can also record the service which can then be offered to families as an option. As part of the installation, there will be an 85” tribute screen which will allow us to offer a visual tribute as part of the service.”
He added: “The new system will mean there is no need to pre-record music, as the musical selection will be streamed during the service.
“Tamilies will still be able to book an organist, but this will now be done through funeral directors. Our aim is to offer the best service possible, providing a range of choices, to our clients.”
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