Related article: Give your loved one the fondest of final farewells in the Highlands – planning a funeral is never easy but it is important to remember it is your way to say goodbye to a loved one

Following the loss of a loved one, friends and relatives can take great comfort in having a place to visit.

This serves as a permanent marker and a focus and reminder for loved ones left behind.

This could be a grave site which helps keep a very real connection with a loved one.

It is somewhere you can visit them, talk to them, get some comfort or just take a moment of quiet reflection.

An important part of that final resting place is choosing a headstone or memorial sculpture.

It is a permanent fixture for you to visit and care for a loved one after their passing but it is also important to respect your loved one’s wishes.

As with their funeral service, they may have stated what kind of headstone or sculpture they wanted and what they wanted it to say.

A headstone can be a simple monument with your loved one’s name and their dates of birth and death if wished, or you could choose to have a reading, poem verse or quote to be engraved on it.

As well as traditional headstones, many people choose sculptures and memorial headstones that feature designs and engraving, pictures, or are sculpted into books, scrolls, hearts, Scottish standing stones and angels.

Bespoke headstones and memorials can also be created which could incorporate a special or an important aspect of your loved one’s life such as where they lived or grew up or a particular passion or hobby.

You could include a photo of them when they were at the peak of their life or perhaps a family photo of when you were all together.

Every aspect of a loved one’s passing is personal to those bereaved, whether it is the funeral service, headstone, coffin or urn.

A memorial will be a precious and permanent tribute to your loved one.

So it is important that you choose a fitting and personal headstone or sculpture that you know they would appreciate.

And, just as importantly, one you will also find comfort in having a permanent memorial site when you visit their special place.

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