WEBCAMS are to be installed in Scottish churches to allow relatives from around the world to log on to weddings, funerals and christenings.

A pioneering scheme at Glasgow University Chapel has proved such a success that other Church of Scotland parishes are to install cameras in their buildings.

The Rev Stuart McQuarrie, Glasgow University’s chaplain, said he had installed webcams in his chapel because of demand from former students who are now living abroad.

While many couples are keen to tie the knot in Glasgow, friends and relatives may not be able to afford to travel to Scotland for the big day.

Thanks to the live link-up, one bride’s grandmother, who had been taken ill, was able to watch the ceremony on a laptop from her hospital bed.

It also allowed McQuarrie to broadcast a communion service to his congregation after a blizzard left many of them snowbound. They were encouraged to share in the sacrament using bread and wine at home.

“The webcams are a great way of making sure that they don’t miss out on seeing their loved one’s big day,” he said. “We did it as an experiment and had no idea that it would take off in the way it has. People from all over the world are logging in to see loved ones walking down the aisle.

“We are also getting hits from casual wedding watchers who are looking to pick up tips for their own ceremony.

“One woman, who is living in Turkey, was able to log on and watch the blessing ceremony to mark her parents’ 50th year of marriage.

“Not only was she able to watch the whole thing but she was able to talk to her parents through microphones before and after the ceremony.

“The feedback so far has been excellent, and only one couple have asked us not to broadcast their wedding. Obviously, we respected their wishes,” said McQuarrie.

He has been inundated with inquiries from other ministers looking to set up similar weblinks in their churches.

“We are one of the first churches in the UK, if not the first, to install webcams, but I don’t think we will be the last. I’m sure it will catch on elsewhere in a big way,” he said.

The Church of Scotland is watching the results of the pilot scheme with great interest.

“Churches are certainly making greater use of technology in their activities and this is to be encouraged, as it helps us to take our message to a wider audience,” said a spokesman.

“The real-time audio-visual webcasting of services seems like a natural progression, as it helps people who are unable to attend church or join in worship. They can also view family events like marriages and baptisms.”

Glasgow University added: “We are delighted that the webcams are bringing families together and reaching a truly worldwide audience.”

Although the Church of England said it was unaware of any of its churches using webcams, some Anglican churches are already providing weekly services online in podcasts that worshippers can download.

Sermons recorded by the Rev Leonard Payne of St Nicholas’s church in Wrentham, Suffolk, are regularly downloaded by more than 2,300 people, while his church usually struggles to attract more than 20 regular worshippers.

A virtual “cyber church” was launched online in 2004, in which members of the congregation — represented by “avatars” or 3-D cartoons — were able to walk around the church, sit on pews, kneel and shout hallelujah.

However, the virtual church was forced to close its doors to worshippers after it was besieged by atheists. One person logged in under the name Satan and started to swear and blaspheme at the online congregation from the pulpit.

A “smite” button, which could be used to eject unwanted visitors, was installed, but it failed to deter large numbers of hecklers.

Earlier this year, Hull city council installed webcams at one of its crematoriums. Viewers were issued with individual codes allowing them to log in and guaranteeing them privacy and security.

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