David Somerville Independent Celebrant Reviews 116

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.9

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

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

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

4.9

All reviews

(116)

49 reviews in the last 12 months

Write a review
Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Perfection

David conducted our mum's funeral and we couldn't have asked for a better person to do so. From our initial meeting he was kind, heartwarming and sincere and listened to our memories with interest. He never rushed us as we spoke about our happy times and planned the service. He conveyed exactly what we were looking for giving humour and colour to mum's final goodbye. He made us smile as we wiped our tears. It was a day that brought comfort to us as a family and David managed to do that in a special way.
We would highly recommend David.

August 13, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Alison, thank you for your heartfelt review; it means the world to me. I'm honoured to have been part of your mum's farewell and to have provided comfort to you, Russell and all your family during such a profound time. Much love to all. ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We met David for our uncles funeral and…

We met David for our uncles funeral and from the moment we started telling Billy’s stories everything fell into place.David captured every little detail as if he knew Billy himself. David was a god send in our time of grief and we can never thank David enough. We feel you were sent to us to help us heal as you have such an amazing presence and you are a very special man indeed! Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts and hope our paths cross again in happier circumstances❤️

May 30, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Lorraine, thank you so much for your heartfelt message. It truly means the world to me to know that I could be there for you, James and your family during such a difficult time. Sharing stories about Billy and capturing those precious memories was a privilege, and I’m honoured to have been able to help in any way.

There was a special connection from the moment we met, and it brings me comfort to know that my presence positively impacted your healing process.

Our paths will cross again, and we’ll stay in touch, my friend. Sending you all my best wishes and heartfelt gratitude.

David ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David presented a reading at my dads…

David presented a reading at my dads funeral which was so lovely and really heart warming joking about fridges,david is a real gem at what he does,words meant so much would use his service again well done david

February 15, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much for your kind words, Jacqueline. It was a privilege to help you and your family at this very difficult time. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Perfect!

I don't tend to leave reviews often but I felt compelled to leave a positive review for David after he delivered such a lovely, personal service for my Mum's funeral.
It can be quite nervewracking meeting a celebrant for the first time and after only one meeting, trusting that they will be able to capture the essence of someone who is essentially a stranger to them but David did just that.
His words were so personal that people at the service thought that David and Mum must have known each other for a long time and I think that is testament to the work David puts in to get the words just right!
Thank you again David!

July 31, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much for your kind words, Aileen. I'm truly honoured to have been a part of your Mum's service, and I'm glad I could capture her essence in a way that resonated with everyone. Your trust means a lot to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Much love to you and your lovely family. ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing service

Hi David, just wanted to thank you again for the amazing service that you provided for my grans funeral. It was exactly what the family needed on such a hard day and you made it so personal and special. The family and everyone there commented on how lovely it was so thank you so much x

July 17, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much, Lisa. I'm honoured to have been able to support you and your family during such a difficult time. Knowing that my efforts helped make the day feel personal and special means a great deal to me. Your kind words reinforce why I am passionate about what I do. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort. ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We can't thank David enough for the…

We can't thank David enough for the service he conducted for our nanas funeral... his attention to detail and friendly approach put my family and I at ease.
The eulogy was funny and full of love even though he had to tread carefully with a devided family in the room.
Even days after the service when I opened the envelope I could still laugh when I came across the scratch card he had put aside for us.
David your thoughtfulness is what sets you aside we would highly recommend your services to others.

May 1, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Louise, thank you for your kind words about the service I conducted for your nana's funeral. It was an honour to be a part of such a special day. I'm thrilled you found the eulogy funny and heartfelt, even at a difficult time. Your kind words mean everything to me.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Celebration of life

Davd was recommended to me by the Co-op funeral home. He was extremely professional and very personable. He told the story of my Dad's life with humour, just as we wanted and compassion. I have received so many lovely comments about the service. Thank you David x

April 6, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Karen, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm thrilled to hear that I captured the story of your Dad's life in a way that resonated with you and your loved ones and that you received so many lovely comments about the service. Thank you again for your review, and please know that it was an honour for me to help celebrate your Dad's life. ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David Somerville

David is so right for this job! He helped me through a very difficult time and is so easy to talk to! He listens to every word and put humour into the service of which my sister would have loved! David Somerville is very diligent and trustworthy!

February 9, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you for your kind words, Shona. It was an honour and privilege to conduct Eleanor’s service and to meet you and your lovely family. ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful ceremony

David was recommended to us by our Funeral director Janice at Jonathan Harvey, and as a family we were impressed by his professionalism and gentle way he put together a beautiful Eulogy for our mother. Everyone who attended the service was complimentary of his manner spoke of how well the service had been conducted. We are so pleased with the way everything was handled from Davids first introduction to us at the family home through to the beautiful ceremony and would have no hesitation in recommending his services to others. Thank you again David for your kind words and empathy on our big day and putting so much of your own time into the process at a difficult time for all.

June 18, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much for your kind words, Gordon. It was a privilege to help you and your family at this very difficult time. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Cremation

We chose david to conduct our fathers cremation as we were very at ease chatting to him. He was very approachable and unrobotic which we felt suited our needs well. Nothing was too much hassle to him and we made various changes to the eulogy etc and was in constant contact via email and phone. So many people came to us after the service to say how brilliantly it had been conducted and David played a major part in that. He also kept in touch after the funeral to see how the family were getting on etc. a real credit to his line of work.

April 8, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris. It was a privilege to help you and your family at this very difficult time. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful send off for a wonderful woman

Where do I start?! David conducted our Mums funeral in April which for my sister and me was the hardest loss we’ve ever had to face. The way David was so thoughtful, attentive and sincere when capturing our Mums personality for her eulogy. I can honestly say I’ve never cried and laughed at a funeral never mind my own Mothers! David truly did all of our family, friends and loved ones proud that day. My sister and me both know our Mum would have loved him as well the eulogy. The attention to detail, the delivery and the way he had the whole room taking it all in was truly amazing. For one of the most difficult days in my life he made it that bit easier and I can’t thank David enough for it.

April 3, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much for your kind words, Antonia. It was a privilege to help you, Hayley and your family at this very difficult time. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Independent Celebrant

We were put in touch with David by the Co-op Funeral Care office in Airdrie, following the sudden loss of my brother, and I genuinely cannot recommend his services highly enough. From the very first contact we had, to meeting with our family, and during the funeral itself and even afterwards, David showed an impeccable level of empathy, understanding and professionalism. He took so much time and care in preparing the eulogy and captured my brother's personality in such great detail that you would be forgiven for thinking he knew Paul personally. I truly feel that David went above and above and beyond the call of duty for our family, he helped guide us at a time we felt lost. On behalf of myself and everyone else who loved my brother Paul, I will forever be grateful that David was the one who gave him his final send off.

April 16, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much, Veronica, for your kind words and recommendation. It was a privilege to help you and your family at this very difficult time. Paul's antics really did tickle me. What an honour to be trusted with his service and final farewell. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David conducted my Dads funeral.

David conducted my Dads funeral last week, his kindness care and attention to detail was outstanding. I can’t begin to express what Davids support and professionalism throughout this sad time has ment to my family and I and I would like to thank him so very much, he did us proud and more importantly helped us give my Dad the send off he deserved. Thank you David your amazing x

May 29, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much for your kind words, Christine. It was a privilege to help you and your family at this very difficult time. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just perfect

David showed compassion and empathy to me and my family during a sudden, unexpected death in my family. He took time to gather all the information and within a couple of days sent me the eulogy via email which was perfect.
During the service he remained very professional and delivered the eulogy to perfection and it was all about the loved one that we had lost, which is what we had asked for.
All my family approached me after the service and said that David was amazing.
I would have no hesitation in recommending him.

May 29, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you so much, Andrew, for your kind words and recommendation. It was a privilege to help you and your family at this very difficult time. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

David

David, Our boys special Naming day was just perfect because you captured the essence of everything "Logi-bear" It was all fun, laughter and couldn't have went any better if we had tried, Thank you so very much for being apart of our special day Logan will have memories to look back on for years to come 💙 X
Kirsty & Scott

May 18, 2024
Unprompted review
David Somerville Independent Celebrant logo

Reply from David Somerville Independent Celebrant

Thank you very much, Kirsty, for your kind words. Conducting Logan's naming ceremony for you and Scott was both a privilege and a joy. It was lovely to meet your family and friends, too! ❤️

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.

Learn more about other kinds of reviews.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look