Scotmid Funeral Services

Making it Special

There are many different ways a funeral can celebrate the individuality of the person who has died. We will spend time discussing all the options available for personalising the funeral, to create this unique commemoration.

We supply a wide range of coffins and caskets, from the most simple to the truly elaborate, suitable for burial or cremation. We recognise that for some people choosing a coffin may be distressing, but it would be inappropriate for us to make that decision for you.

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We are trained to deal sensitively with this part of arranging the funeral and are on hand to deal with any questions or queries that you may have, to help you make the choice.

Making it special

Many bereaved people take great comfort from placing personal items, for example photographs or letters, in the coffin with the deceased. We place no restrictions on what may be placed in a coffin whilst the deceased is in our care. However, there are restrictions placed by crematoria, for example, metal or glass objects. Where appropriate, we will give advice.

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Carrying the coffin

We will always supply bearers to carry the coffin. Alternatively, bearers may be relatives, friends or colleagues of the person who has died.

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Dressing the deceased

It may be your wish that the deceased be dressed in their own clothing and this is normally acceptable. However in some circumstances, particularly where cremation will take place, we are bound to comply with regulations which restrict certain materials.

If you are considering providing clothing for the deceased, please seek our advice. We can supply a wide range of dressing or suiting robes, which are acceptable to the relevant authorities.

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Visiting the deceased

The decision of whether to visit the deceased is a personal one. We cannot advise you about your preference, but many people take comfort from seeing the deceased at rest.

Private remembrance rooms are available at our funeral homes or you may wish to have the deceased at home. We will be pleased to discuss arrangements with you.

In the remembrance room, you may like to display a photograph or a small selection of possessions or keepsakes that depict a hobby or pastime of the deceased. Many families have said this helped to make this aspect of the funeral more personal to them.

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Transport

You will need to consider the following:

  • Whether you would prefer a motor or horse-drawn hearse. A floral hearse may also be required to carry the flowers
  • How many limousines will be needed (most can carry seven people)
  • Where the cortege will leave from
  • Will it take a special route
  • Where will you return to
  • Will you require wheelchair access
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Music

Many people ask for specific pieces of music to be played during the service. This is an opportunity to add a personal touch. The music chosen can usually be anything from traditional organ music to music on a tape or CD supplied by you. Alternatively, you may like to have a musician playing at the service. Depending on the location of the service, there may be certain restrictions. We will be happy to give you advice on this.
A list of suggested hymns is available here (link opens in new window).

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Eulogy

A friend or relative may wish to say a few words during the service about the person who has died - this is called a eulogy. You can prepare this yourself, or you may prefer a favourite poem or other reading.

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Obituary notices

The obituary notice is an opportunity not only to publicly announce the death and funeral details, but can also be used to pay tribute to the deceased, for example, by including a verse. Additionally, details of where any donations or flowers can be sent may be included.

An obituary notice can normally be placed in a local or national newspaper. Additionally, you may wish to place a notice in an alternative local newspaper if the deceased lived in another town or city at some time. We will be happy to create and arrange the obituary notices for you.

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Floral Tributes

Flowers are a simple and beautiful way to create a personal tribute. We can help you to choose your flowers and give advice on special orders. A brochure is available to help you decide. When ordering flowers it is advisable to give as much notice as possible.

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Following the funeral you may decide that suitable floral tributes could be used to benefit others, such as a hospital, nursing home or another organisation (subject to them wishing to receive them). We will be happy to arrange this for you.

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Donations

Many bereaved families wish to restrict the sending of floral tributes to immediate family members only and request that, as an alternative, donations are made to a charity or other organisation.

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Catering

You may wish to offer guests refreshments after the funeral. You will need to decide:

  • the number of guests
  • who will provide the catering
  • where it will be held
  • what type of food and drink will be served

Once these decisions have been made, we will be happy to make the arrangements for you.

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Service Stationery

Many people choose to have an order of service printed for the funeral. We will be happy to advise on layout and content and have these produced for you.

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