A SIXTEEN-year-old boy has just started a new job – as a funeral director.
While many youngsters of his age dream of stardom as footballers or singers, Jordan Webster spends his days collecting dead bodies and consoling grieving families.
Jordan, from Benarty, Fife, is believed to be Scotland’s youngest funeral director.
He started work with his father’s firm at the age of 15 and took up his full-time job when he turned 16 in January.
His regular duties include collecting the dead from homes and hospitals – “removals” – and lowering coffins at the graveside.
But despite the grim nature of his chosen profession, Jordan remains unphased.
“With my dad being a funeral director, I have grown up hearing stories, so I just take it in my stride,” he said.
“I’ve done removals with my dad, but I’m not hands on with the bodies just now.
I am just watching and learning at the moment.”
Jordan, who wants one day to take over the family firm, said most of his friends “are still doing paper rounds”.
“I don’t really tell my friends about the job.
“I feel quite lucky I have a family business that I can go into, with the economy some of my friends have found it difficult, but I have a job.”
He added: “I have done everything from collecting the money at services to lowering coffins and comforting families.”
“It can be quite difficult with some families who are taking it harder than others.
“I think people have different opinions when they see me. No one has said anything directly to me, but I am sure they do think that I am young to be doing my job.”
A keen Rangers supporter, away from the day job Jordan is a regular teenager who enjoys playing for his local football team St John’s, Kirkcaldy.
His father, Harry, said he hoped to hand over the business.
He said: “I had a funeral last year where I needed an extra pair of hands so I asked Jordan if he felt he could assist me.
“He was very enthusiastic and took to the job like a duck to water.”
