David Somerville Independent Celebrant Reviews 116

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.9

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 50 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their genuine care, compassion, and ability to capture the true essence of their loved ones through incredible storytelling. The service provided is frequently described as personal, warm, and incredibly true to the character of the deceased, making people feel at ease during difficult times. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional customer service, noting the professionalism, empathy, and patience shown throughout the entire process, from initial meetings to the delivery of the service. People often mention that the celebrant's ability to listen and understand family wishes results in a deeply personal and fitting tribute that brings comfort and dignity. The overall sentiment is that the company's staff are truly amazing, kind, and caring, making a difficult experience manageable and memorable for families.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers express immense gratitude and satisfaction with the staff, particularly praising their genuine... See more

Service

Clients share positive opinions on service, with many reviewers expressing gratitude for the personal, warm,... See more

Customer service

Consumers find customer service to be a positive experience, with many reviewers highlighting the compassion,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David conducted the most wonderful eulogy for my father who sadly passed away aged 94. He was able to capture the true essence of my Dad through his incredible story telling and by bringing to life th... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David conducted the funeral service for our Mum who died suddenly and unexpectedly. From the first phone call with him we were put at ease. He wrote the most wonderful eulogy and poem for our mum, cap... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dont know where to start... felt like David was an old family friend so comfortable to share our stories! The first draft captured my granda perfectly there was no need for any amendments! Even on the... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David was exceptional throughout the entire process. He took real time to listen and genuinely understand who my dad was — not just the stories, but the kind of man he was at his core. When he delive... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Funeral Director

Written by the company

Hello, I’m David Somerville, an award-winning independent funeral celebrant based in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. With a background in acting, performance, and mental health advocacy, I specialise in creating meaningful, personalised ceremonies that celebrate life’s vibrant colours. Having grown up in South Lanarkshire and now residing in North Lanarkshire, I am committed to supporting local families during their most challenging moments. My mission is to guide you through grief with compassion and professionalism, honouring each unique life story in a way that brings comfort and peace. Conducting funeral services is an honour and a privilege that gives me a profound sense of purpose. My own journey of loss has shaped my passion for this work. I am continually reminded of love’s enduring power in this sacred role. As a funeral celebrant, I create memorable tributes that reflect your loved one’s unique story and values. Personalised Funeral Services: Tailored ceremonies with music, readings, and tributes. Memorial Services: Informal gatherings to share memories and celebrate life. Celebration of Life Ceremonies: Joyous events that highlight positive memories and connections. Graveside Services: Intimate settings for final goodbyes. Interment and Scattering of Ashes: Respectful services tailored to your needs. Each service is crafted with care to ensure meaningful tributes.


Contact info

4.9

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

116 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly Recommend

David instantly put us at ease and helped us navigate a difficult time with compassion and understanding. He was able to talk about my dad like he knew him and that helped everyone who attended the service to say goodbye.

3 June 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Donna. I was very honoured to conduct your dad's service, to celebrate his life and character, and to be there to support you and your family. Sending love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our deepest thanks to David

We cannot thank David enough for the beautiful service he delivered for our dad.

From the moment he spoke, it was clear he had taken the time to truly understand the man Dad was. He captured his character, humour, values, and personality perfectly, bringing him to life through his words in a way that made us smile, laugh, and remember him exactly as he was.

As a small and very close family, it was incredibly important to us that Dad’s life was represented authentically and with care. David did this with genuine warmth, empathy, and professionalism, creating a service that felt deeply personal rather than simply formal.

During one of the most difficult days of our lives, David gave us comfort and helped us celebrate Dad’s life in a way that we know he would have appreciated. Many family members and friends commented afterwards on how moving and fitting the tribute was.

We are eternally grateful for the kindness, respect, and compassion David showed throughout. He gave Dad the send-off he deserved, and that is something our family will never forget.

2 June 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Karen. I was very honoured to conduct your dad's service, to celebrate his life and the good man he was. Much love to you and your family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David was extremely professional

David was extremely professional, friendly and funny at the celebration of my brother's life, he helped make a difficult day much easier. Would definitely recommend.

4 June 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Karen. I was very honoured to conduct Richard's service, to celebrate his life, and to be there to support you and your family. Sending love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David was recommended for the funeral…

David was recommended for the funeral service for my uncle who passed away in May.
We as a family are so grateful for that recommendation. David is genuine and caring so we were put at ease from the first meeting. The service itself captured my uncle just as he was and David is excellent not only in his writing but also his delivery of the eulogy.
Thank you again David for all your care and support at a difficult time. I will have no hesitation to recommend you to anyone who has lost a loved one in the future.

29 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Geraldine. I was very honoured to conduct your Uncle Frank's service, to celebrate his life and character, and to be there to support everyone. Much love to all the family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The service was just so fitting

The service was just so fitting. I am so happy David did the service as the eulogy was spot on and his poem was fantastic. Friends and family were coming up to me after the service to say it was such a lovely tribute to my brother. David's words and delivery brought us laughter and tears and it was a comfort knowing that we gave my brother a great send off. I would highly recommend David.

28 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Lesli. I was very honoured to conduct your brother's funeral service, celebrate his life and character (and all his quirks), and be there to support you all. The wonderful turnout on the day spoke volumes too about how much Arthur was loved and respected. Sending love to you and your family. Take care.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Funeral celebrant

David conducted the funeral service for our Mum who died suddenly and unexpectedly. From the first phone call with him we were put at ease. He wrote the most wonderful eulogy and poem for our mum, capturing who our mum was and getting the tone right for the celebration of her life. So many people asked us afterwards if he knew my mum personally as it felt like he knew her so well. As a family we are so grateful to David for helping us give our mum the service she deserved.

22 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Sara. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's funeral service, to celebrate her life and character, and to be there to support you all. The huge turnout on the day spoke volumes for how much your mum was loved and respected. Sending my love to you and your family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David conducted a service for my brother

David conducted a service for my brother who was down syndrome From the first meeting at the house it was obvious that David was a professional. David delivered the eulogy with such confidence, personality and compassion it was like he really knew Derek. The family was delighted by the way David conducted the whole service. Would definitely recommend David and would not hesitate to engage with him again.Jacqueline

17 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Jacqueline. I was very honoured to conduct Derek's service, to celebrate his life and character, and to be there to support you all. Much love to everyone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Can’t thank David enough for everything

When David contacted myself when my mum unexpectedly passed away he made my stepfather Archie and myself immediately at easy. After a chat with David he knew how we wanted my mum remembered. His eulogy for my mum was absolutely lovely, family and friends all complimented how well David spoke. Thank you David.

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Chris. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's service, celebrate her life, and be there to support you all. Much love to everyone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely Funeral Service

David conducted the funeral service for my mum and a huge thank you to him for doing such a good job.David's Eulogy was heart felt, warm and personable, painting a perfect picture of my mum's life.
Thank you again

10 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's service, celebrate her life, and be there to support you all. Much love to everyone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David truly captured my dad when doing…

David truly captured my dad when doing his service, his words resonated throughout the room and everyone who knew my dad have said he captured him perfectly. David also very thoughtfully wrote a poem about Liverpool which had very strong links to my dad as this was his favourite team. We cannot thank David enough for his care during such a difficult time. No one should hesitate in contacting David when their loved one passed as his compassion, thoughtfulness and professionalism shines through.

8 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation, Beth. I was very honoured to conduct your dad's service, celebrate his life, and be there to support you and your mum. Sending love to you both.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation

After an initial call from David, we met as a family to discuss my Mum with him. We had only met for an hour, where David had a really good idea of who my Mum was and how we would like to celebrate her life. David also sent over a draft of Mum's Eulogy before her funeral.

We could not have been happier with the service which David delivered on the day. There were several comments after the fact asking if he had known my Mum, as he delivered her Eulogy as though he had.

I cannot thank David enough for his heartfelt service, which definitely helped celebrate and capture Mum's essence.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 💜

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words, Denise. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's service, celebrate her life, and be there to support you all. Much love to everyone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David has to be the Master of Celebrants…

A truly outstanding celebrant – everything we hoped for and more

We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant in David to honour our mum. The eulogy was delivered with such warmth, humour, and sensitivity – exactly as she would have wanted it. Mum’s friends were genuinely impressed and commented on how beautifully David captured her spirit. My family felt uplifted hearing her remembered in such an honest, funny, and heartfelt way.

From start to finish, David was professional, compassionate, and incredibly attentive. He listened carefully to what we needed, added thoughtful individual touches, and created a ceremony that felt deeply personal. The delivery on the day was exceptional – respectful, engaging, and full of gentle humour that brought comfort to everyone there.

I would highly recommend David without hesitation. He helped us say goodbye in a way that felt true, warm, and full of love.

24 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation, Alison. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's service and privileged to be there to support you and your family. I'm incredibly humbled by your comments and pleased I was able to deliver a service which reflected your mum's character, personality and essence. Much love to you all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Hugely positive review

My family and myself were hugely impressed by David's professionalism and kindness in preparing and conducting my mum's funeral service. The level of empathy shown by him to us was second to none. His conduct of the service on the day was exemplary and this was underlined by the huge number of positive comments my family and myself had received afterwards from those in attendance and online. It was the send-off that my mum would have wanted. Any family having him in their corner at such a sad and stressful time will be in such good hands.

19 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

To Duncan and family, thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's service, celebrate her life, and be there to support you all. Much love to everyone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David was outstanding

David was exceptional throughout the entire process. He took real time to listen and genuinely understand who my dad was — not just the stories, but the kind of man he was at his core. When he delivered the service, it felt personal, warm, and incredibly true to Dad’s character. Several people even asked how long David had known him, which says everything about how accurately and respectfully he captured him.
At a time when everything felt heavy, David brought comfort, clarity, and a sense of dignity to the day. We couldn’t have asked for someone better to lead the service. I’d wholeheartedly recommend David to anyone looking for a celebrant who truly cares.

5 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation, Fraser. I was very honoured to conduct your dad's service and privileged to be there to support you, your mum and your family. I'm incredibly humbled by your comments and pleased you were comforted by the service. You all did your dad proud! Much love to you all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Greatful for such a beautiful and heartfelt eulogy

David Somerville delivered a truly beautiful and heartfelt eulogy for my mum, June. His words captured her spirit so perfectly — balancing warmth, humour, and deep emotion in a way that felt both personal and authentic. He told her story with such care and respect, celebrating her strength, devotion to family, and the love that defined her life.
The service flowed seamlessly, moving from laughter to tears and back again, exactly as a meaningful farewell should. David has a genuine gift for listening, understanding a family’s wishes, and turning precious memories into a tribute that feels natural and sincere. We couldn’t have asked for a more fitting celebration of mum’s life and would wholeheartedly recommend David to anyone looking for a compassionate and professional celebrant.

4 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation, Katrina. I was very honoured to conduct your mum's service and privileged to be there to support you and your lovely family. Much love to you all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We can't thank David enough for the way…

We can't thank David enough for the way he conducted Mum's funeral service.

We knew the minute we met him he was perfect.

He made everything so much easier

2 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your review and kind words, Helen. I was honoured to conduct your mum's service and privileged to be there to support you and your family. Much love to you all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful eulogy with incredible story telling.

David conducted the most wonderful eulogy for my father who sadly passed away aged 94. He was able to capture the true essence of my Dad through his incredible story telling and by bringing to life the many happy memories we’d shared. He showed genuine care and compassion whilst adding the right levels of humour to help us celebrate a great man’s remarkable, long and fulfilling life. Thank you David.

26 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Wilma, thank you very much indeed for your kind words. I was very honoured to conduct your wonderful dad's funeral service and privileged to be there to support you, your mum and your family. What a wonderful life your dad had, serving his country and community, and the love he shared with his family. Good storytelling is only possible when you have good stories to share. Thank you for trusting me to write and conduct your dad's service. Much love to you all and thanks again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Incredibly engaging, respectful celebrant.

David invested a considerable amount of time to really understand my late sister’s life, from various family members perspectives, then created an incredibly moving eulogy which was a true celebration of her life and contained just the right amount of respectful levity which was appropriate to the service. He also conducted and delivered the service with his lovely clear voice and set the tone perfectly. David has a quite magnificent set of skills and experience to gracefully and graciously create the perfect balance and atmosphere and respectful celebration of a life ended.

17 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your review and kind words, Irvine. I was honoured to conduct Mandy's service and privileged to be there to support you and your family. Much love to you all and thanks again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful service

David had conducted my mums funeral service in October and done a wonderful job. Sadly nine weeks later my dad passed away and we asked if we could have David to conduct my dad’s service. On both occasions David came to my home and we went over my parents life’s. David seems to get your loved one’s character to a T and writes the most beautiful fitting eulogy.
David done both my parents very proud and for this I am very grateful.
Thank you David.
Your a star ⭐

9 December 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Donna, it was an honour to conduct your mum’s funeral in October and to support you and your family. It was very special to be invited back to lead your dad’s service in December. Two incredibly special people, and they deserved the best possible send-offs we could give them, and I hope we did that. I was privileged both times to tell your mum and dad’s stories and to celebrate their lives and the wonderful, inspiring people they were. Much love to you all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Celebrant

David was very caring and understanding. He got Karen exactly as she would have wanted in her Eulogy. Everyone at the service said how lovely the service was and what a lovely man David is. I would highly recommend David and will certainly use him again.

20 January 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much for your kind words and recommendation, Elizabeth. I was very honoured to conduct Karen's funeral service and privileged to be there to support you and your family. Much love to you all.

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