Our heartfelt condolences
You’re no doubt here because a friend or loved one has passed away. So first of all, let us say how sorry we are for your loss.
We know this is difficult, and we’ll endeavour to make the whole process, the arranging of their funeral, as simple as possible.
Talking things over
Whilst we can outline some of the decisions you’ll need to make here, ideally we should speak in person as soon as you feel able. You can call into one of our offices between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or you can call us on 0800 996 1927, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week and we can arrange to meet at one of our offices, at your home, or even at your solicitor’s office if you prefer.
A few things to consider for now
Ahead of our first meeting, there are a few things you can start to consider:
- Will it be a cremation or a burial?
- Where would you like it to take place?
- Would you like a minister or civil celebrant to take the service?
- Will the service be religious, or non-religious?
- Will you add any personal touches? Special songs, readings, dress codes, or vehicles for example?
- Will there be wake afterwards?
- Where will it be held?
Please get in touch as soon as you feel up to it
Once again, we understand that this is an incredibly difficult time, but experience has taught us that dealing with the practical matters at hand, like arranging the funeral, can often help by giving you a sense of purpose and focus in these first few days.
The sooner you speak to us, the sooner we can take the arrangements out of your hands and allow you to begin the process of grieving properly.
Pop in and see us or call 0800 996 1927 to arrange a home visit by one of our funeral arrangers.
Don’t feel alone
We’re here to help you every step of the way. Call us anytime and we’ll answer any queries or concerns you might have. That’s what we’re here for. You may also find the information in this booklet What to do after a death in Scotland useful.
And finally…
We support and work with an organisation called Cruse Bereavement Scotland. They do amazing work providing professional support for bereaved adults, children and families across right across Scotland.
If you feel like you need additional advice or support, you can contact them on 0808 802 6161 (calls are free) from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 2pm at weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
We’re available 24 hours a day to assist you on the telephone on 0800 996 1927. We also have 16 funeral offices which are open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. You can also email us at info@scotmidfunerals.coop
When a person has died, their appearance may look different to how they did when they were alive. Embalming can restore their appearance as much as possible. It is often recommended if the funeral is not due to take place for a while. This also allows you more time to spend time in the chapel of rest with your loved one, especially if family members have to travel for the funeral.
Embalming is defined as the preservation of a body from decay through injection of a chemical embalming fluid. The preservative solution (the embalming fluid) replaces the blood as well as treating the body cavity and organs.
(Source Funeral Directors Code of Practice).
Please note: Embalming does not affect the cremation process, however for burial if you’re considering an eco-friendly or woodland burial, then embalming is not allowed, as the chemicals may contaminate the environment.
If you require assistance towards the cost of the funeral there is a ‘Funeral Support Payment‘, this could help pay for funeral costs if you live in Scotland. It usually will not cover the full cost of the funeral but it could help pay for some costs.
While you may not have heard of the phrase ‘First Offices’ this falls under a funeral directors ‘caring of the deceased’. First Offices will take place in all cases, unless you ask us not to.
First offices is a process of caring for the deceased to assist with preservation and to make them presentable for viewing, this includes a minimum of cleaning and washing the body, dressing them, closing the eyes and mouth and arranging the hands.
(Source: Funeral Directors Code of Practice)
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of them even choose to leave 5 star reviews on our website once they’ve dealt with us,
which is incredibly generous given what they’ve recently went through.
