A WOMAN has opened up on her journey from being an estate agent to a nationally recognised celebrant in just three years.

Catherine Dicristina, who lives in Clydebank, was made redundant in 2021 after working in the housing industry for over three decades.

This, combined with a number of close family bereavements in quick succession, led to the 56-year-old seeking a career change.

Catherine opened up on how she got started in the industry.

Catherine Dicristina is a finalist in the Scottish Funeral Awards (Image: Colin Mearns) She said: "When I first started, I did not know if it was something I could see myself doing longer-term but then once I started to get into the swing of things it was something I fitted into perfectly.

"A local funeral director was kind enough to give me the opportunity to oversee my first service in 2021 and it has run from there.

"I love my job, despite the difficult nature of it at times.

"The fact people trust me when they are feeling at their most vulnerable is a real privilege and something I do not take for granted."

Catherine was recently nominated for Celebrant of the Year at the upcoming Scottish Funeral Awards.

The former estate agent is one of 20 finalists for the accolade of which the winner will be announced at a ceremony held in the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on December 2.

Catherine previously worked as an estate agent for over 30 years (Image: Colin Mearns) Catherine expressed her surprise but also delight at being recognised nationally for her work.

She continued: "Given I attended the funerals of close relatives not long before beginning my training I was able to experience both sides of the grief process in a short period of time and that has really shaped how I carry out my role.

"I am delighted to be nominated for such a prestigious award.

"The fact I am working locally and being recognised for that is very humbling."

Catherine also detailed the difficult nature of her job at times, while also recognising the immense "privilege" she feels at being able to help people at their most vulnerable.

She added: "My job is very hands-on and as a result, I keep in contact with a lot of people I have worked for.

"I have always been of the belief that when it comes to grief no one can tell a person how to feel, it is a journey they have to go on themselves.

"It is important to try and highlight the good aspects of someone’s life, where appropriate, during the service.

"Memories can keep people going and I am always keen to try and evoke them where possible.

"It is about trying to relax people on a day of stress and the fact I can hopefully play a small part in making things a bit easier for those who are grieving is what I value most about the role."