Traditional hymns top Scots chart for funerals

SCOTS are sticking to tradition and choosing hymns over popular songs for their funerals.

In Scotland 56 per cent of the ceremonies are accompanied by hymns, rather than classical music or pop songs, while in the rest of the UK contemporary songs are the most requested for a loved one's funeral.

Only 36 per cent of Scottish funerals use contemporary tunes, and 9 per cent are accompanied by classical music.

Frank Sinatra's My Way is still the most popular contemporary song for funerals across the UK, according to a new survey by Co-operative Funeralcare.

But Westlife, Alexandra Burke and other pop stars are chasing him up the chart. Hallelujah, sung by the X Factor winner, has peaked at No26 in the survey.

The most popular contemporary, classical and hymn remain unchanged, four years after the last survey.

The Lord is My Shepherd is still the most comforting hymn for a funeral, and Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations is the most requested classical music.

There are also a few odd songs that popped up in the poll – with some people choosing to be sent off to the dulcet tones of the theme tunes to Emmerdale, Top Gear or Only Fools and Horses.

More than a quarter of the Co-operative funeral homes received unusual requests like these – with one person even selecting So Long, Farewell from the Sound of Music for their loved one.

One in ten music requests was rejected, mainly because the clergy did not think they were appropriate.

The Co-operative Funeralcare's Lorinda Sheasby said that the choice of song is an important part of the funeral for the bereaved family.