Advice and support

Clear, calm guidance when someone has died.

Practical support for families in Angus, from the first steps after a death to registration, funeral choices, costs and support afterwards.

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Here when you need us

You do not need to know what to do before calling us.

When someone dies, it can feel as though everything needs to be dealt with at once. In reality, some steps are urgent, some can wait, and some simply need explained clearly.

This page is designed to give calm, practical guidance for families in Scotland. Where medical, legal or official steps are involved, Parkgrove can help you understand who to contact and when.

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First guidance

What has happened?

These sections cover the most common situations families ask us about.

Someone has died at home

If the death was expected, follow any guidance already given by the GP, community nursing team, district nurse or palliative care team.

If no guidance has been given, contact the GP practice if open, or NHS 24 on 111. If the death was sudden, unexpected, accidental or the cause is unknown, call 999.

Someone has died in hospital or care

Staff at the hospital, care home or hospice will usually explain the immediate steps. They will advise when paperwork is being prepared and when you can contact a funeral director.

You can still call Parkgrove at any stage for guidance, even before all paperwork is complete.

Arranging a funeral

You do not need to have all decisions made before speaking to us. We will guide you through the choices calmly, including cremation, burial, service options, costs and timescales.

Parkgrove Funeral Directors and Parkgrove Crematorium are in one countryside setting, allowing families to be supported by one team.

Advice hub

Helpful guidance by topic

Short, practical guidance for the questions families most often ask before, during and after arranging a funeral.

01 Registering a death in Scotland Official paperwork and registration timescales

A death in Scotland normally needs to be registered within 8 days. The registrar will explain what documents are needed and what happens next. In some cases this may be delayed, for example if the death has been referred to the Procurator Fiscal.

Official guidance
02 Tell Us Once Notify government organisations more easily

After registration, the registrar may give details for Tell Us Once. This helps notify many government organisations in one process, including services such as passports, driving licence, benefits and tax.

View service
03 Choosing the right funeral Direct cremation, attended funerals, burial and cremation

Some families want a simple unattended cremation. Others want a full service with music, flowers, readings and personal touches. We can explain each option clearly and help you decide what feels right.

View options
04 Understanding funeral costs Clear prices, third party fees and estimates

Funeral costs can include funeral director charges, crematorium or burial fees, officiant fees, flowers, printing and other choices. We will explain what is included, what is optional and what is paid to third parties.

See prices
05 Cremation guidance Services, committal and ashes

Learn about cremation services, committal, what happens with ashes and the choices available at Parkgrove Crematorium.

Cremation services
06 Burial guidance Lairs, cemeteries, interment and memorials

Help with burial arrangements, lairs, interment, graveside services and memorial choices.

Burial services
07 Personalising a service Music, readings, photos, flowers and orders of service

Small details can make a funeral feel personal, including music, readings, photographs, flowers, notices and printed orders of service.

Ask for help
08 Supporting children and family Helping family members feel included and supported

Guidance on including children, explaining what is happening and helping family members feel involved at a difficult time.

Support after loss
09 Repatriation support When someone has died away from home

Practical help if someone has died away from home, or if a loved one needs to be brought to Scotland or taken elsewhere.

Repatriation help

The Parkgrove approach

One place for care, guidance and the service itself.

Families often find comfort in dealing with one consistent team. At Parkgrove, funeral directors and crematorium are together in one peaceful countryside setting.

✓ Guidance from the first call onwards.
✓ Clear explanation of costs and choices.
✓ Support with notices, service planning and practical steps.
✓ Calm, personal care from a local Angus team.

Common questions

Questions families often ask.

These answers are general guidance. If you are unsure what applies, call Parkgrove and we will talk you through the next step.

If the death was expected, follow any instructions already given by the GP, community nursing team, district nurse or palliative care team. If no guidance has been given, contact the GP practice if open, or NHS 24 on 111. If the death was sudden, unexpected, accidental or the cause is unknown, call 999.
Yes. We can begin guiding you before registration is complete. The formal paperwork from registration is needed before the funeral can take place, but you do not need to wait before asking us for help.
A death in Scotland normally needs to be registered within 8 days. In some cases this may be delayed, for example if the death has been referred to the Procurator Fiscal.
A direct cremation is unattended and does not include a funeral service. An attended funeral allows family and friends to gather for a service, with choices such as music, readings, flowers and personal touches.
Yes. Many families are unsure at first. We will explain the options clearly, including cremation, burial, direct cremation, simple attended funerals and bespoke services.

Further support

Support after a loss

Bereavement affects people differently. These organisations can provide further practical or emotional support.

NHS Inform

Information on grief, mental wellbeing and where to find urgent support in Scotland.

Visit NHS Inform

Cruse Scotland

Bereavement support for adults, children and families across Scotland.

Visit Cruse Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland

Practical guidance on money, property, benefits, wills and official steps after a death.

View guidance

Speak to us

Not sure what applies?

Call Parkgrove at any time. We will listen, ask the right questions and calmly guide you through what needs to happen next.

01241 826 035 Contact us