First Steps After a Death in Scotland
Understanding what to do when someone dies and what first steps to take can be difficult, but at Callum Robertson Funeral Directors, we are here to help you. We are a family-run company, founded in 1998, with 3 local funeral homes, and a sympathetic team on hand to offer you funeral advice.
What to do when someone dies
Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult thing to go through, whether they have passed away in a hospital or at home. Funeral arrangements will need to be made, but there are a few steps to take first, and our dedicated team is on hand to help you take those steps and support you during the grieving process.
When someone dies at home, the first thing you need to do is contact their own doctor or the NHS24 on-call doctor, if outside normal surgery hours. They will then come to the house and arrange for the Medical Certificate to be completed. If your loved one has died in hospital, a medical certificate will be given to you by a member of staff.
After you have contacted the doctor, or received the certificate from the hospital, you can then contact us on our local office numbers shown here. Our funeral director will call out to your home to transport the deceased (if required) to one of our local Chapels of Rest.
Navigating Loss: Your Funeral First Steps with Callum Robertson
The period immediately following the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, making simple tasks feel impossible. At Callum Robertson Funeral Directors, serving families across Scotland, we are here to provide compassionate and professional guidance through the essential first steps after a death, ensuring the process is handled with dignity and care. We understand that this is a time for grieving, not administration, and we are here to support you 24 hours a day.
The Crucial Funeral First Steps
The initial funeral first steps are centered on official documentation and care for the deceased. The very first priority is obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which must be issued by a doctor. This certificate is vital as it is required for registering the death, a mandatory legal step in Scotland. We advise you to secure this as quickly as possible.
Once the MCCD is issued, the next critical step is to formally register the death at the local Registrar's office. This must typically be done within eight days of the death. You will need the MCCD and information about the deceased, such as their birth date, occupation, and spouse’s details. The Registrar will then issue the necessary certificates that allow you to proceed with the funeral.
Your very next action should be to contact our dedicated team. As your funeral directors, we will immediately take your loved one into our care. We will then arrange a meeting to discuss your wishes and begin the funeral planning process, providing transparent advice on burial or cremation options, service details, and all necessary arrangements, allowing you to focus on your family.
Your Compassionate Partner in Scotland
We believe in a personalized approach, honouring your loved one's life with dignity and respect. Callum Robertson Funeral Directors is here to manage all logistical and regulatory details, transforming a stressful process into a respectful farewell. Contact us to schedule an immediate consultation or simply speak with an advisor about the first steps after a death.
Let us help you navigate what to do
In the event of an unexpected or sudden death
In some cases, if the death is sudden or unexpected, the police may become involved and arrange for the deceased to be taken to a local hospital mortuary, before submitting a report to the procurator fiscal. This should be no cause for concern, as it is part of standard procedure in such situations.
The team at Callum Robertson Funeral Directors will contact the procurator fiscal’s office and keep you well informed of the situation. We will let you know when we are able to collect the Medical Certificate for you and can take you through the next steps of arranging the funeral.
We provide guidance, support, and practical help when a loved one dies
Our aim is to provide guidance in your time of need, support you through a difficult period and help with all the necessary practical arrangements, such as writing an obituary, arranging a funeral, and organising a memorial. We take extra care to ensure a personalised service that meets your needs, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us whenever you need compassionate funeral advice.
We have local branches in Leslie, Kirkcaldy, and Dunfermline, and we are only a phone call away. If you aren’t sure where to start, please give us a call. We are local funeral directors, with extensive experience, who are here to help you with your every need, ensuring you get the guidance to help you through this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Planning
What are the absolute first steps a family must take after a death occurs in Scotland?
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The crucial funeral first steps are obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from a doctor, and then formally registering the death at the local Registrar's office, typically within eight days. The MCCD is legally required to proceed with any funeral arrangements.
How quickly should I contact the funeral director?
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You should contact Callum Robertson Funeral Directors immediately after the death occurs, even before registering it. We are available 24/7 and will immediately take your loved one into our care, which is one of the initial first steps after a death. This allows you to focus on family while we manage logistics and begin scheduling arrangements.
What role do you play in the legal process of registering the death?
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While the family is legally required to register the death at the Registrar's office, we provide clear guidance on the process. We ensure you have the necessary documentation (the MCCD) and can advise on what information to take to the Registrar to make this mandatory legal step as smooth as possible.
Can you help us decide between cremation and burial?
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Yes. Once you contact us, we will arrange a meeting to discuss your wishes and provide transparent advice on the benefits and requirements of both burial and cremation options. We help you choose the option that best honors your loved one's life and aligns with your family’s preferences.
Contact us if a loved one has died and you need funeral advice and information
on what steps to take.
Call your local branch or use the form provided, and we’ll get back to you soon.
