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Robertson, Duncan

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Location: Edinburgh
Covering areas: Edinburgh and East of Scotland
Phone: 0131 672 1107
Mobile: 0791 803 4017
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Me

About me
Having retired from my professional career I wanted to do something worthwhile, preferably involving people. At my father in law David’s funeral several years ago the family arranged for a Humanist Ceremony. On the day it was a lovely and aptly personal occasion. We all left the crematorium in a positive frame of mind with our own personal thoughts about David; there were many smiles as we reflected on his life. I thought about it for months afterwards; specifically I noted with greater interest his influence within the entire family and amongst friends. This made me think quite deeply about the subliminal effect we each have on the lives of other people.

My retirement afforded me the opportunity to work as a Humanist Celebrant, so I undertook the training course in November 2006. Since then I have conducted many ceremonies; firstly funerals and following further training also weddings. I find the work incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.

What Humanism means to me
For the main part of my life, over 30 years, I have been involved with a diversity of people and their lives. That experience has taught me a great deal and if I can now use that experience and knowledge to play a small and hopefully beneficial part in others lives I will have achieved a great deal, my life will be greatly enriched. I focus on the human values we all share rather than any matters which may divide us. What is really important is living an ethical, worthwhile and meaningful life.

Funerals

To me a funeral ceremony should reflect the ethos of the deceased as each life is unique. Throughout our lives we each play a small part in the history of human kind. Some aspire to great things with aplomb and are recognised for their achievements with deserving accolade. For most there is no such recognition. There are many who have given much yet received little or those who have lived simply or simply lived. No matter how a man lived, in the words of our most famous Bard “A man’s a man for a’ that”.

As a Humanist Celebrant I have prepared and lead many ceremonies. I am delighted to say I have received many acknowledgements for my work and append some of the comments below.

"Just writing to say everyone thought the ceremony was perfect and that you did an absolutely fabulous job in portraying Paul, my family are forever grateful and would like to say a huge thank you."

"Thank you very much for the lovely ‘celebration of a life’ of our great mum. You put a lot of work into the service and the comments that we had after the funeral were amazing."

"I wish to thank you for a beautiful service. The attention to detail and time spent with us is greatly appreciated. We had many of those attending remark on the service as being very caring and thoughtful."

Namings

Same Sex Affirmations

Weddings

How I feel about being a Wedding Celebrant
Your wedding could arguably be said to be the best day of your life; certainly it will be one of them. To me a humanist wedding provides you with the opportunity to achieve this. Each ceremony is unique and written personally. The venue can be anywhere in Scotland, the only proviso being it is safe and dignified.

It opens a new chapter in your lives, the excitement in anticipation of the unwritten story.

For me to be a part of the first page of this chapter is not only a privilege, it’s just great to be there with you.

My philosophy is to ensure I am there for you; from our first contact through preparation of the ceremony to your wedding day. I know how important this day is for you.

To ensure I play my part well I only book one wedding per day so time is never an issue.

So let the chapter open, don’t just dream it, live it and enjoy every moment.

My approach to weddings
I make a point of meeting you as soon as practicable. I feel it provides a personal touch and an early opportunity to discuss your plans and the structure of the ceremony. Subsequently I provide sample copies of ceremonies as a guide and a file of wedding poetry and prose for your perusal. I will arrange to meet again within the three months prior to your wedding to prepare the Ceremony. I will either write the ceremony for you or am happy to be your voice if you choose to write your own. I am here to help.

My advice to you
I see it as my part to keep you on course for one of the best days of your lives. Most importantly I will explain the legal requirements. We all want the same thing, to ensure you have a great day.

Wedding locations
Scotland’s numerous dramatic and romantic settings offer a wealth of opportunities as wedding venues. The natural terrain provides great open spaces from the hills to the beaches and parkland.

Some of the older private schools, some with their expansive manicured grounds can be excellent as are many of the privately owned manor houses; both can be found to accommodate weddings.

In particular I like buildings with architectural merit, especially those with historical connections. There is just something truly romantic about being a part of history, there is feeling of permanence.

Wedding Music
Today there is such a vast and diverse choice available. You will have your own favourites. When it comes to music, especially outside, the skirl of the pipes is an excellent way to welcome guests or for the bride’s entrance.

Indoors; the harp, clarsach, cello or violin are my particular favourites, especially if played as an accompaniment to a solo voice. Last year at one of my weddings the groom’s father played the saw, it was a magical sound.


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