Eric McGirr Independent Celebrant

28/08/2025

A week of contrasts...

Monday's celebration of life was for a 93-year old Whitburn lady, Isa, who remembered witnessing the Cydebank blitz during her long and fulfilling life. ❤️

Yesterday's farewell, my 150th, was for Niv, a Craigshill legend, same age as myself. A young man taken far too soon, loved by the hundreds that came to say goodbye, and who leaves an unfillable void for his amazing family. 💔

And tomorrow, we say goodbye to a Dedridge woman, who was one of the first in West Lothian to adopt a child with special needs, a child who wasn't expected to reach his 1st birthday... yet thanks to Bobbie's TLC and love, her boy is now 42.

The human spirit can be so broken, and yet so resilient, in equal measures 🙏❤️🥃

14/08/2025

One (of the many) rewards of this role, is listening to the music that families choose for their loved one’s final journey. Some familiar, sone not so.

I'd never heard this oldie before. Brilliant singer, and poignant lyrics, for a lady who lived her life with positivity, and a constant smile.

For Stella 🙏

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupHoney · Bobby GoldsboroThe Very Best Of Bobby Goldsboro℗ 1968 Capitol Records, LLCReleased on: 1991-01-01Producer...

31/07/2025

An unexpected gift from a fine gentleman, for whom I offered a wee bit of advice and (hopefully) wisdom, as he begins his own journey as a Celebrant.

Thankyou Craig Stewart Independent Celebrant, totally unnecessary... but I'm afraid I'm going to have to discard your gift (one dram at a time! 🥃).

I'm no expert, and still relatively new to this role, however if anybody is considering becoming a Celebrant, then I'm more than happy to chat, and assist where I can. 📞

10/06/2025

Today's privilege saw some firsts for me...

My first service that took place in a family's home, a beautiful cottage where an amazing lady, Grace, made her family home for over 60 years. Aged 98, Grace was the oldest person I've led a service for.❤️

Then, my first graveside committal at Kirknewton Cemetery, where Grace now rests beside her husband of 60 years, Bill. 🙏

Even had some curious, hairy onlookers observing from the field beside the cemetery...

30/03/2025

This Mother's Day, whilst I thank my Claire for raising our son Hamish so wonderfully, I will spare a thought for all those who have said goodbye to their beloved mums in the last year, for whom today is another 'first', in a year of emotional anniversaries.

And especially for my colleague Jamie, who's mum Susan passed yesterday.

For those that have lost, hopefully you can find comfort, and peace, in the cherished memories that they gave to you, just as I do with my own dear mum Janet, on what would've been her 82nd birthday
🥃❤️🙏

27/02/2025

Six weeks ago, I humbly led a celebration of life for a gentleman who served as a Paratrooper, as a member of the SAS, and more poignantly to myself, 'The Colonel' served at Bathgate Fire Station for 24 years. 🚒

Today, I joined with his family once more, as we said farewell to Ian's wonderful wee wife of over six decades, Pat.🙏

And as if their fine family couldn't get any better in my eyes, they gifted me a unique mug that belonged to Ian, and which will spend the remainder of IT’S career, at Livingston Fire Station.

Tonight, I'll raise a 'pint' of coffee, to Ian & Pat. ☕️❤️

06/01/2025

Just over a year ago, I was honoured to lead a service for a wonderful woman, Annie Inglis.

Today, for my first service of 2025, I was asked by Annie's daughters to lead the service for their beloved dad, Kenny.

Two beautiful souls, apart for a year, together again in spirit. 🙏❤️🥃

And a lovely, gift from Roz, Laura, and Nicola (The Bairn), from their dad's whisky collection, (which I admit almost had me going🥲).

28/12/2024

Tonight, in choosing my late stepdad's dram of choice, I raise a wee Balvenie to Al, to my Aunt Eleanor, and to the many amazing souls, for whom I had the honour of leading their farewell ceremonies in 2024.

To all the amazing people, from the best families... thankyou for letting me play a small part at the end of your loved one’s journey, and I wish you peace, and reflection, in 2025
🥃❤️🙏