On Air Now Gavin Harris Sunday Breakfast 7:00am - 10:00am Dasha - Austin Schedule

From A Greggs Sausage Roll To Dyson Hoover Box: Edinburgh Funeral Firm's Quirky Coffin Designs

Saturday, 3 June 2023 06:00

By (C) Sky News: Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter

Designs include a Dyson box, a Greggs sausage roll and Doctor Who's Tardis. Pic: Go As You Please

A funeral firm is hoping to "break the taboo" of talking about death by offering custom-made coffins, which includes a casket designed like a Greggs sausage roll.

Bosses at Go As You Please say no ideas are off limits to help make a difficult day a little lighter.

Suggested designs include the Doctor Who Tardis, a pint of Tennent's Lager and a bottle of Bell's whisky.

There's also Star Wars, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Harry Potter and Only Fools and Horses designs to help spark ideas.

The firm - which has branches in the north-east of England and in Edinburgh in Scotland - said the coffins are built to the needs of each individual customer.

Scott Purvis, general manager at the company, told Sky News a Dyson box was created for someone who had a history of repairing old hoovers.

Another coffin was made from old pallets in tribute to a man who used scrap pieces of wood to create useful things for his shed.

Mr Purvis said:

"Most of our coffin designs come from having honest conversations with the person when they are still alive.

"A lot of people are now arranging their own funerals before they die. This gives them a chance to break the taboo of talking about death with their families.

"It also gives them the opportunity to have exactly the funeral they want and to take the burden off the family when the time comes."

Mr Purvis said the displays in branch windows are a conversation starter.

He added:

"[It] isn't out of disrespect but to show the public what can be done and what we can offer.

"When it comes to the bespoke picture coffins, I would say we're not dealing with novelty, we're dealing with individuality.

"We encourage families to design their own coffins and even get involved with making the coffins.

"We have had numerous families create photo montages of family photos through the years, bringing the family together to stick the photos onto the blank coffin."

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Classic Talent Shows You Forgot About

    Before The X Factor and The Voice, there were a number of talent shows that paved the way for more modern juggernauts, showcasing hidden gems and bringing unforgettable performances to our living rooms. Now that there's renewed interest into behind the scenes of many of these shows, here’s a nostalgic look at five you may have forgotten about, but are well worth remembering:

  • Five Festive Films To Start Getting You In The Mood

    As the nights grow longer and the chill of winter sets in, there's no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by cosying up with a cup of hot cocoa and indulging in some festive films. Whether you're seeking heart-warming tales, whimsical adventures, or a touch of holiday humour, these five festive movies are perfect to spark that magical feeling of the season:

  • Five Most Delicious Pastries Worldwide

    Pastries are a universal language of indulgence, with cultures around the world contributing their own unique takes on this delicious art form. From flaky, buttery layers to creamy, custard-filled delights, here’s a list of the five most delicious pastries that should be on every food lover's must-try list:

  • Five Of The Most Stunning Sunsets In The World

    Sunsets captivate us with their breath-taking blend of colours, each unique to the place it graces. From vast deserts to bustling cities, sunset moments connect us with nature, offering both tranquillity and awe. Here’s five of the world’s most stunning locations to experience these natural wonders:

  • Five Amazing Disco Films to Brighten Your Day

    Whether you love a good dance floor, fabulous fashion, or simply need a feel-good escape, these disco films are sure to brighten your day. Here are five amazing disco-inspired movies that will transport you to an era of shimmering lights, soulful grooves, and the ultimate celebration of fun:

Your News

It’s easy to get in touch with the More Radio News team.

Add you phone number if you would like us to call you back