A core tenet of mine, as a midwife and a celebrant, is when you believe in, and support, the concept of informed choice, which is underpinned by human rights, you empower. With empowerment, even in grief, community, communication, companionship and relationship can only be enhanced.

I began my celebrancy career with a focus on funeral ceremonies. I am skilled in working with families during this transition in a respectful and gentle way that can foster the creation of a personal, meaningful and memorable ceremony. Families and friends play such a significant role in weaving stories that remember, honour, rejoice and celebrate their persons life and individuality thus creating a ceremony that captures the essence of your person and ultimately offers comfort. I am skilled in holding a safe space for all those who come together to say farewell, to acknowledge sorrow and loss, love and friendship as well as the myriad of sensations that come with grief. Please find some words shared by families below. For FAQ and ceremony fees click here and you will be taken to the Agnostic Scotland website

Testimonials

“This culminated in the most soulful and thoughtful tribute, delivered warmly and clearly to a gathering of friends and family.”

We had already met Andrea to discuss a celebration of our father’s life when our mother sadly passed. At short notice Andrea turned a beautiful single eulogy into a life story of a couple, recognising both their individuality and the ties that bound them lovingly together.

In the initial, and subsequent meetings, Andrea took the time to explore with us our parents’ personalities, likes and loves and the relationships they built over the years with family, friends and colleagues. This culminated in the most soulful and thoughtful tribute, delivered warmly and clearly to a gathering of friends and family. Perhaps the highest praise was when a family friend asked how long Andrea had known our parents!

We both would recommend Andrea and Agnostic Scotland unreservedly to anyone wanting to celebrate the life of a loved one for the humanity and warmth she brought to their memory”

Jane Arnot and Robert Shuttleworth, 2021

Andrea spent time with the family several days before my 98-year-old Mum’s funeral. She captured memories from all of us, some happy, some sad and delivered a beautiful ceremony on the day. She really did capture the essence of my Mum and it was very comforting to hear her wonderful words. Andrea really made a difference for my family at a very difficult time for us emotionally

Andy and Eric Watson

As a family we cannot thank Andrea enough. Our mum was a very determined feisty lady who most definitely did not want a religious send off but she had a keen spiritual side. Together with Andreas perfect respectful guidance we put together a wonderful tribute. There was love, laughter, tears, reflection and thanks. Andrea’s delivery was professional and soulful, we really couldn’t have asked for more.

Pam and Family

Andrea, you were a lovely calm presence giving us some much needed peace to reflect in the middle of the storm, we couldn’t have done it without you.
You offered invaluable help and support which made our little ceremony for Isadora so personal. A brilliant celebrant and we won’t hesitate to recommend you to others.

Judy and Torcuil

Andrea was the celebrant at my father’s funeral in October, a service that had to take place during tight restrictions caused by Covid 19. Despite restrictions, Andrea supported us in creating a personal service in which my Dad’s friends and family felt included.

I would highly recommend Andrea as a celebrant. At all times we felt engaged in the process and encouraged to be creative in how we celebrated Dad’s life. We will be eternally grateful for that experience.

Fiona