About Kyle
Hello, I’m Kyle MacRae, an independent civil funeral celebrant based in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. I specialise in creating deeply personal funeral ceremonies and eulogies that honour and celebrate unique lives.
‘Civil’ means I am not a member of any belief system, whether religious or Humanist. This means I am free to include or not include religious content in the ceremony, according to your wishes
My journey here has been eclectic. In the 80s, I studied Philosophy and English Literature at Glasgow University. I then spent decades working as a journalist, author, publisher, digital innovator, and serial entrepreneur. I've been a trainer, a marketer, a partner in a creative agency, a Samaritans listening volunteer, and lots more. One way or another, each of these experiences has helped deepen my understanding of the human experience. And of course I’ve had my share of bereavement and sadness along the way.
Now I'm channelling everything I've learned—my professional skills and my personal life experiences—into this rewarding role as a funeral celebrant, supporting individuals and families through times of profound loss.
Working as a celebrant is a profound privilege. And with that privilege comes my personal commitment to you.
What I offer
Focus on celebration
Every person deserves a send-off that truly reflects who they were—their passions, values, achievements, and the relationships that defined them. My focus is on storytelling and celebration, crafting a ceremony that doesn’t just recount dates and events but captures the spirit of your loved one.
Compassionate listening
As a trained Samaritans volunteer, I understand how difficult it can be to talk during a time of loss. Even positive memories can be painful to share at a time like this. That’s why I offer a calm, empathetic space where we can talk at your pace, remembering your loved one with kindness and care.
Professional training
I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy, which is the highest qualification in this field in the UK. I am also a member of the Institute of Civil Funerals, the industry organisation that promotes the highest standards of funeral celebrancy for bereaved families, and follow their code of conduct.
Confident & approachable
Public speaking and presenting have been part of my career for decades, so you can trust me to deliver the ceremony with confidence and care. At the same time, I’m really down-to-earth and easy to talk to, making the process as smooth and supportive as possible for you.
Flexible & creative
No two lives are the same, and no two funerals should be either. I’ll work with you to design a non-religious ceremony that truly reflects your loved one and their values, whether you’re looking for something traditional, eco-friendly, or completely unique.
Collaborative & reliable
I pride myself on being approachable, communicative, and dependable. From our first meeting to the day of the ceremony, you can count on me to be there with you every step of the way, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and is exactly as you envisioned.