A TOWNHILL husband and wife will be up against each other to claim a prestigious title at the Scottish Funeral Awards this weekend.

Beverley and David Bryant have both been named as finalists in the celebrant category of the awards which take place in Glasgow on Sunday evening.

After the coronavirus pandemic, the couple decided to give up their jobs in education to work full time as humanist celebrants.

Beverley said they were both "humbled" to discover their efforts have earned them nominations at this weekend's ceremony – and said there wont be too much rivalry if one of them wins!

"We always say we are not in competition but then there is always a little bit even just in fun! What was incredible is both of us were individually nominated," she said.

"The certificates came on the same day. It was two identical envelopes. It was lovely to think both of us have been nominated. We found out we had been nominated and the next step after nomination was for us to provide more information about the work that we do and who we work with.

"That has all gone off to the judging panel and then there's an awards ceremony on Sunday night where the overall winner will be announced."

Former Woodmill High teacher Beverley, who is a trained storyteller, said the couple work separately but do help each other along the way.

"We both came into it from an education background and covid gave us the push to do it," she said. "We are now very much full time and busy. We are very much looking forwards with weddings and funerals.

"We help each other along and are a sounding board for each other but we both definitely have our own styles. David wears a kilt for both weddings and funerals. He is very distinctive in his style. I often get asked if a family is looking for someone a bit larger than life!

"It is such a rewarding job to do. I think when people see you stand up there and present a tribute and a ceremony, that is one thing. That is such a small part of what you have done, getting the family to open up to tell you of the amazing life the person has had."