Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

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 Incredible Curries From Around The World

    Originating from the Indian subcontinent, curry has evolved and adapted to different cultures, resulting in a diverse array of delicious dishes. From creamy Thai curries to fiery Jamaican jerk chicken, here are five incredible curries from around the world that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

  • Five Brilliant Twists In Mind-Bending TV Shows

    Television has long been a platform for storytelling, captivating audiences with its ability to transport viewers to other worlds and challenge their perceptions. Mind-bending TV shows take this to the next level, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists that redefine the entire narrative - here's five which left our jaws on the floor...

  • Our Five Favourite Twists In Cinema

    While many films leave a lasting impression with their compelling characters and breath-taking visuals, it's the unexpected twists that truly elevate the cinematic experience. From jaw-dropping revelations to mind-bending plot turns, here's five of our favourites:

  • Wills & Wakes

    Sara Whatley spoke to Melanie Hodson, Head of Information Support at Hospice UK about how to talk openly and honestly about death and dying

  • Five Incredible Desserts From Around The World

    From delicate pastries to indulgent cakes, desserts come in countless varieties, each reflecting the unique flavours and traditions of its place of origin. Let's embark on a delectable journey around the world to explore five incredible desserts that are sure to tantalize your senses: