Eric McGirr Independent Celebrant

22/12/2025

Once again, those that have gone before us are very much in our thoughts at Christmas.

And for all the families who experienced loss in 2025, and who are facing their first Christmas without someone who meant everything to them... I thank you, for the humble privilege of being able to learn about their lives, and to be with you to as you said your goodbyes.

From those who lived a long and eventful life, to those who were close in age to myself, and to those who never got to see the beauty of life itself. 🙏

Unfortunately, my liver doesn't thank you, on account of my post-ceremony tradition of raising a dram to those who have passed🥃

Wishing everyone a peaceful, and a Merry Christmas, and may you cherish every moment with those closest to you, in 2026.
🎄❤️

07/12/2025

Something different...

Yesterday's interment of ashes was for Dorothy Sowersby, mum to 2 of my lifelong mates, Paul and Miggy.❤️

Your mum's mates are a big part of your life, (they DID create yer mates!), and sadly, their numbers grow fewer.🙏

Thankyou Dot, for being you, and for one of the last times I saw you recently, when you burnt yer toast!!! 🍞

05/12/2025

Today was a tale of 2 ties!

First, the red, white and blue was donned in memory of my stepsister's mum Anne, a fine wee woman who lived a life full of fun, and who loved animals more than David Attenborough!

Then, after a colour change that Mo Johnston would be proud of, my first service at Dunfermline where the green was donned for Alex, a patriot and a Hibby, from the amazing MacDonald family.

❤️🤍💙 🙏 💚🤍💚

27/11/2025

Every celebration of life I'm asked to lead, is a privilege. Today, there was added poignancy at the funeral of a fine man of proud Welsh heritage, whose skills as a fine chef were sampled across the world.

On a personal level, it was heartwarming for me to be there for his beloved wife of over 50 years, Ann Higgins, who 37 years ago was my guidance teacher at Deans High, and who arranged for my first job interview(s) at NEC.

Rest easy, Glan. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🙏

13/11/2025

The last couple of weeks reminded me that men can be so different, yet collectively they can really step up and make a profound difference to those who shared their journeys.

A miner, a policeman, a KOSB soldier, a greenkeeper, a man who 'bathed' in Joop, and Mr Hibs!

All different in their own ways, all true characters, all fine men 🙏

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. ☕️❤️