When a death occurs many people are unsure of who to contact and when.
We understand the sorrow and grief of bereavement and we appreciate that you want the love you shared in life to be reflected in the final arrangements. The funeral and laying to rest is the final act of care and there are no second chances. That is why we dedicate ourselves to your every need in the days of preparation.
The following are the immediate things you have to do:
- Contact the funeral director
- A decision has to be made as to whether a burial or cremation will take place.
- Obtain the death certificate – The death certificate is usually provided by the GP who has attended the deceased whether in Hospital, a care home or at home.
- Register the death
All deaths in Scotland must be registered at the “Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths” within 8 days of the death taking place and can be registered in any registration district. An appointment system is now in place at almost all of the Registrar’s offices. We can advise you and assist with this. A list of local registrar’s offices and hours of business is shown here Registering a Death.
On first contact the Funeral Director will ask the following:
- Details of death i.e., date, time and location of deceased.
- Place of death
- Has a death certificate been issued
- Details of any prepaid funeral plan or any specific wishes of the deceased
Help and Support
Losing a loved one or someone you care for is one of the most difficult experiences in our lives. In bereavement the emotional experience can come in many ways and we understand this. Everyone reacts differently and it is important to be able talk about our grief and share our thoughts and feelings.
Our care and support to families goes beyond the funeral and the following contacts may be helpful to you in coping with bereavement.
- Crisis, Riverside House, Erskine – Tel: 0141 812 8474
- Cruse Bereavement Care – National phone line: 0845 600 2227
- The Centre for Grief Journey
