Hi, I'm Gordon!

My Story, My Beliefs

I was born in Aberdeenshire where my dad was a dairyman and with only one move, at the age of six, I lived on another farm in the Carse of Cowrie, in Perthshire, until I got married in 1984. Thereafter, with the exception of the first two years of flat-dwelling in Perth, followed by seven in Carnoustie, I have lived in a rural setting.

I tell you all of that, not to account for my liking for wellies, or my apparent disregard for iffy weather, but more to explain how it is that I am content with the natural elements around us. It took me too many years to realise that the reason for my contentment, beyond my simple, honest, and happy upbringing, is that I feel truly connected to my surroundings.

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Having been blessed growing up, and growing older, never more than a short walk from something incredible; something truly worthy of awe, I find myself finally beginning to join the spiritual dots. I have a religious faith, and that has been, and is, a source of strength and comfort - not least on losing my wife last year within a few months of celebrating our Ruby wedding anniversary – but I now feel more aware of; more connected to, the elements around me. I’ve always joked, if anyone complained about the rain, “If it wasn’t for the rain, there wouldn’t be water in the Lochs and rivers. And if it wasn’t for the water in Lochs and rivers, we wouldn’t have whisky!”, but it’s actually true. And a rather fine example of how natural or spiritual elements can align. Of course, there’s more to spirituality than that but, while it’s not a bad place to start, I look forward to satisfying my newfound curiosity of things spiritual.

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A combination of Covid and an organisational restructure in 2020 persuaded be that I should perhaps stop tearing all over the country, Monday to Friday, and take things a wee bit slower. “Early retirement” sounded inviting, but I knew that I wasn’t ready to do nothing, and still had that desire to be of service, but to whom I did not know. Prompted by two friends, independent of each other, suggesting I’d would be “good at doing funerals” (none of us had heard of the word “celebrant” at that time), I did a bit of homework and discovered that celebrancy was a thing, and that my desire to serve meant I was suited to it. Enter, stage left, Lindy Irving and with her the start of my celebrant journey. In 2021 I trained in preparing and conducting funerals, then in 2022 a range of ceremonies for couples and families. I can honestly say, I’ve never been happier in my work.

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In all the ceremonies I have delivered, I have worked with the families and couples to co-create something that reflects their, tastes, values, and beliefs, allowing their personality to shine through on a day long to be remembered.

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​​Reagrdless of what type of ceremony you are considering, if you like structure, with an appropriate mix of theatre & fun and, like me, you value honesty, respect, love, and trust, I’m your man.

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You can find out more about me and my work at angusbespokeceremonies.com email: celebrantgordon@btinternet.com or call 07759 225166