Craig Stewart Independent Celebrant

28/07/2026

I’ll add in curry to question 11 🥘

02/07/2026

I conducted two services at Warriston Lorimer this week. Two lovely men with really interesting work stories.

I have learned about a distinguished Edinburgh cabinet making/upholstery/gilding company called Whytock & Reid whose work is so good that some of it features in the Museum of Scotland.

And a Nessie hunt in the 1980’s that ended with the discovery of a Wellington Bomber plane that had rested 230ft beneath the surface of Loch Ness on a ledge for 45 years until it was retrieved and now sits in a museum in England.

Incredible people with lovely families and fascinating occupations. 🌹

19/06/2026

Thank you to Lesley, Carrie & Richard who had a wooden box made for me using my ‘tree of life logo.’ A gift of cufflinks & a card also.

Very thoughtful and fair cheered me up. ♥️

04/06/2026

Last month marked one year since conducting my first service as an independent celebrant. With the help and support of local funeral directors and families I have officiated at 67 services and here is what I have observed;

- In the main, families desire to have a ‘celebration of life’ theme running through their services with the focus being fully on their loved one - their life, their story. Often, they request funny anecdotes and stories to be reflected throughout the service.

- Services lead by a celebrant allow for (almost) anything that helps families come to terms with their loss. They’re person focused, allowing the family to hear & contemplate the story of their loved one’s life. It is a real honour to be able to deliver that.

- Ceremony, ritual and commemoration are part of saying goodbye and from what I have seen so far, are a necessary step in the grieving process.

- Individuals stories are fascinating and captivating. I have learned so much about people, families and the different paths in life that have shaped their journeys.

- This role brings a perspective on life that is quite sobering & salutary. I moan about stuff less these days. Well, sometimes I moan less 😀😉

Thanks to all my families for allowing me the opportunity to hear their stories and deliver these ‘celebrations of life.’ 🌹

26/05/2026

Last week we celebrated the life of two outstanding and extremely well respected Edinburgh men. Big attendances and great stories & memories reflected in the services of both gentlemen. 💚♥️

06/05/2026

Today we said farewell to lovely Liz Smail. We’d only just said goodbye to her husband Alan in February, so a deeply sad and upsetting period of time for their beautiful family.

On leaving the venue today we received a heart filled with seeds which I’m going to plant tomorrow. A genuinely lovely lady filled with fun and kindness who will be sadly missed. 🌹

21/04/2026

⬇️📲

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17/04/2026

In my downtime between working hours I get a lot of happiness from hugging our cat, Kingsley.

I sometimes wonder if he knows how loved he is. 😍😘🥰

09/04/2026

The furthest away service I’ve conducted in beautiful St Andrews in February brought this retrospective feedback from the family to my inbox recently, which was nice. 🌹