The D Word

I wanted to highlight the work of some celebrant colleagues of mine in the field of death education or death literacy in Scotland. My good friend Gillian Robertson set up the D Word with a mission:

….to increase knowledge and awareness, reduce anxiety and apprehension, and contribute to an increasingly compassionate society where talking about death is a more common and comfortable experience.

The D Word is a resource designed to be delivered by experienced celebrants to groups of any age and stage who would benefit from being supported to become familiar with what to expect when someone close dies. It is perhaps most valuable as a resource for schools. We often think that we have to protect children from the reality of death. Sadly, death is a reality and the D Word can help to build resilience through knowledge and by breaking down the fear of the unknown.

I’m delighted to see the D Word going from strength to strength and today Gillian told me that they have just launched a web site where you can find out more about their work. Gillian and I have worked together on a number of death literacy projects such as a series of staged funerals. I know this is important work and I know that the D Word will play an important role nationally in helping to create a more compassionate society in Scotland.

Very best wishes to Gillian and to Aileen Palmer, Laura Throssell, and Angela Maughan.

Michael Hannah, 23 February 2026