# Church of Scotland & Presbyterian funerals

> Church of Scotland and other Presbyterian funerals are simple, Bible-centred services led by a minister in church, at a crematorium or at the graveside. Burial and cremation are both accepted. At Scottish burials, close family and friends are often invited to hold cords to lower the coffin into the grave.

Source: https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/church-of-scotland/ — FuneralFinder

## Key facts

- **Burial or cremation:** Either is accepted
- **Service:** Readings, prayers, psalms or hymns and a tribute, led by a minister
- **Scottish tradition:** Cord cards invite up to eight people to hold the cords that lower the coffin
- **Registration:** In Scotland a death must be registered within 8 days

## Presbyterian funeral traditions

The Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the United Reformed Church share a simple, scripture-focused approach. Services often include metrical psalms such as Psalm 23 (“The Lord’s my shepherd”) and prayers of thanksgiving for the person’s life.

At a Scottish burial, the family traditionally gives out cord cards naming the people who will hold the cords to lower the coffin — an honour usually given to close relatives and friends.
Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

## Etiquette

- **What to wear:** Dark, smart clothing is customary; some families request tartan or colours.
- **What to say:** “Sorry for your loss.”
- **Flowers:** Often family flowers only, with donations to a named charity.

## FAQs

### What are cord cards at a Scottish funeral?

They are small cards inviting named mourners to hold one of the cords used to lower the coffin into the grave — a traditional honour at Scottish burials.