When somebody dies...

The most frequently followed process for arranging a funeral is as follows, but there are numerous options/alternatives which are discussed on the pages of this website.

A bereavement occurs
The doctor confirms the death and produces a Death Certificate
The family/friends take all available certificates (birth, marriage, death) to the Registrar, who produces a form 14 for the funeral director
The family/friends of the deceased contact the funeral director
The funeral director arranges the ceremony/lair (if you don’t already have one) etc.
The Ceremony takes place

Registering a Death in Scotland

If a death occurs in Scotland, the death may be registered at any Registration Office in Scotland. A death can be registered by any of the following people:

any relative of the deceased;
any person present at the death;
the deceased's executor or other legal representative;
the occupier of the premises where the death took place;
or any person having knowledge of the particulars to be registered.

You can see a list of all Registration Offices in the Scottish Borders.

When to register

A death should be registered within eight days of the occurrence. You should take with you:

A Medical Certificate (Form 11) issued by a Doctor at the time of death;
The Birth Certificate of the deceased;
An NHS card, if available;
The Marriage Certificate of the deceased (if appropriate)

Note that if the person who has died has been married more than once, you will need details of his or her previous spouse. In the case of a woman married more than once, the names and occupations of previous husbands should be recorded. In the case of a man married more than once, the name, maiden surname and former married surnames of any previous wives, if applicable, should be entered.

Forms issued by the Registrar

You will be given a Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14). This must be given to the funeral director dealing with the funeral arrangements. A Social Security Certificate of Registration of Death (green form) will also be given to you for DSS purposes. The medical certificate of cause of death will be kept by the registrar.

Informing other Council Services about the death

You do not need to contact the Council Tax or Electoral Registration Offices. The Registrar contacts them directly on your behalf. If the deceased person was 18 years or over, a form CTN is filled in by the Registrar and sent to both offices within seven days.

Registering a death in England

If a person has died in England but is resident in Scotland, you have to register the death in England at the office for the Registration District in which the death took place.

Burial or Cremation?

The Council can provide information for you when the deceased person is to be buried. Unfortunately, as there is no crematorium in the Borders, we can be of limited help in this area. We would advise you to discuss your cremation requirements with an undertaker, or alternatively speak directly the crematorium of your choice. The closest crematorium to the Borders is Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh.

There are a number of decisions to be made regarding Burials. If you choose to use a funeral director, they will be able to advise you accordingly and generally carry out everything on your behalf.

Useful links

FAQ; You can see a number of Frequently Asked Questions about Burials, Graves and Funerals.

Burial; information on finding a funeral director, coffin, mason, or home burials and graves.

Arranging a burial without a funeral director.

Fees and charges for burial services.

List of Burial grounds.

Useful information such as support organisations and governing bodies.

Burials - Genealogy and Grounds Maintenance.