Death and its associated funeral rites have a history that stretches back in Scotland as far back as people have inhabited this land. Burial practices and beliefs have changed across the centuries as religions have come and gone. Scots speakers of course have their own words and expressions to mark the passing of loved ones and to describe associated rites. In this feature we have a number of articles relating to the death and funerals in Scotland, and the ways in which they are described in the language.

Below you will find a PDF article on the history of funerals and burial practice, together with a vocabulary of related terms in Scots. There is also a second PDF which contains a number of selected texts which might be found appropriate for marking the passing of loved ones.

Further New Testament readings and poems suitable for reading at funerals can be found here.