Finding a death notice in the Press and Journal can feel like a quiet ritual—a small act of remembrance that connects you to the community. With around 20–30 new notices added daily, the paper serves families across Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, and the Islands. This guide walks you through how to search recent and archived notices, clarifies the difference between a death notice and an obituary, and explains traditions like the 40-day rule—so you can find what you need without confusion.
Daily death notices published: 20-30 new listings · Geographic coverage: Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Islands, Moray · Archive depth: over 10 years of notices · Platform used: myfamilyannouncements.co.uk
Quick snapshot
- Official newspaper source (Press and Journal)
- Lists recent deaths in Aberdeen and Highlands (Press and Journal)
- Includes funeral details (Press and Journal)
- Online archive of all Press and Journal notices (platform site)
- Search by name, date, location (platform site)
- Free to browse (platform site)
- Death notices are brief and paid (Legacy obituary-writing guide)
- Obituaries are longer tributes (Legacy obituary-writing guide)
- Press and Journal carries both (Legacy obituary-writing guide)
- Use exact spelling
- Filter by recent or custom date range
- Check alternate spellings for older records
The pattern: five facts that define the Press and Journal death notice system follow.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Press and Journal (Aberdeen) |
| Online platform | myfamilyannouncements.co.uk |
| Daily new notices | 20–30 |
| Archive span | ~10+ years |
| Geographic focus | Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Islands, Moray |
Where can I find a list of deaths?
Press and Journal obituaries page
- The Press and Journal publishes daily death notices on its obituaries page (Press and Journal).
- The list includes names, dates of death, and often funeral service details.
- Notices for the Aberdeen area appear first, followed by Highlands and Islands.
Myfamilyannouncements.co.uk search
- All Press and Journal death notices are also indexed on myfamilyannouncements.co.uk (notice aggregator).
- You can search by name, date, or location, and filter by publication date.
- The archive reaches back more than ten years, making it the best single source for historical notices.
The implication: For a quick look at the most recent deaths, the newspaper’s own page is fastest. For deep searches or older records, the aggregation platform gives you broader control.
How to look up someone who just died?
Search by name on the Press and Journal website
- The most recent deaths appear on the Press and Journal obituaries page (established daily newspaper) within 24 hours of submission.
- Use the on-site search bar with the person’s full name and “death” or “obituary”.
Use the myfamilyannouncements search tool
- Visit myfamilyannouncements.co.uk (notices portal) and enter the name in the search field.
- Set a date range to “last 7 days” to see only the freshest entries.
- Results include a link to the original notice.
Check recent announcements for Aberdeen area
- If the death occurred in Aberdeen or nearby, notices often appear within one business day.
- Funeral homes typically submit notices on behalf of the family.
If you don’t see a notice within 48 hours, it may still be in preparation. Families sometimes wait a few days before publishing, especially if the death occurred over a weekend.
How do I find an old death notice?
Archive search on myfamilyannouncements
- The online archive on myfamilyannouncements.co.uk (notice archive) stores notices from about 2010 onward.
- Use the “advanced search” link to filter by year and location.
Contact Press and Journal directly for older records
- For deaths before 2010, contact the Press and Journal’s editorial office. They can check microfilm archives.
- Some records may also be held by Aberdeen City Libraries (local archive).
Check third-party genealogy sites
- Websites like Findmypast (genealogy service) and Ancestry (family history site) sometimes hold digitised copies of Press and Journal obituaries.
- Access may require a subscription.
The catch: Older notices exist on microfilm or in physical newspaper archives. Digital access only goes back about a decade. For anything earlier, you’ll need to call the newspaper or visit a library.
What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?
Death notice: brief factual listing
- A death notice is a short, paid announcement typically placed by the funeral home. It includes the deceased’s full name, age, date and place of death, and names of close family members (Trust & Will (estate planning resource)).
- It is intended to inform the community and often mentions funeral service details.
Obituary: longer biographical tribute
- An obituary includes the same basics but adds a life story with career, hobbies, survivors, and sometimes a photo (Legacy obituary-writing guide).
- It is written by the family and published usually at a higher cost.
- Press and Journal publishes both as separate sections. Death notices appear under “Deaths” and obituaries under “Obituaries”.
What this means: If you see a short listing of under 50 words, it’s a death notice. A longer piece with narrative and surviving family details is an obituary. The distinction matters for search—obituaries contain richer information for genealogists.
What is the 40 day rule after death?
Cultural and religious traditions
- The 40-day period is a tradition in some Christian denominations (Eastern Orthodox, Catholic) and other faiths. It commemorates the soul’s journey after death.
- During this time, some families choose not to publish a public death notice or obituary.
Why some families wait 40 days before public notice
- According to a guide on Culture Observer (local customs resource), the 40-day observance can delay the appearance of a notice in the Press and Journal.
- Not all families follow this custom, but it is common enough to account for gaps in recent listings.
If you’re searching for a recent death that doesn’t appear online, the family may be observing the 40-day tradition. Patience—or a direct call to the funeral home—may be the only option.
Quick steps for searching Press and Journal death notices
- Go to myfamilyannouncements.co.uk (free, no account needed).
- Enter the full name in the search box. Use exact spelling.
- Filter by date range: recent (last week) or custom (older years).
- Browse results. Click a notice to expand details—includes funeral information.
- If you don’t find it online, contact the Press and Journal directly or check Aberdeen City Libraries for microfilm.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Press and Journal death notices are published daily on the newspaper’s website and via myfamilyannouncements.
- Death notices are distinct from obituaries: notices are short and paid; obituaries are longer and written by family (Legacy obituary-writing guide).
- myfamilyannouncements archives notices for many years (at least 10).
- Search is free and does not require registration.
What’s unclear
- The exact length of time notices remain on myfamilyannouncements is not explicitly stated on the site.
- How widely the 40-day rule is practiced across the region is anecdotal (Culture Observer (customs blog)).
The Press and Journal obituaries section is a long-standing tradition, offering families a way to announce deaths and share funeral details.
Press and Journal editorial staff (Press and Journal website)
Our search tool lets you filter by name, date, and location for free.
myfamilyannouncements FAQ (platform help page)
The 40-day period after death holds spiritual significance in many Orthodox and Catholic traditions.
Cultural historian Dawn MacLeod (Culture Observer)
Finding a single death notice is straightforward. But the real challenge is understanding the system: how soon notices appear, where to look for older records, and why some deaths go unlisted for weeks. For families in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, the Press and Journal remains the central source—but knowing how to navigate both its own page and the centralised archive makes the difference between a quick find and a dead end.
Related reading: How Did Ed Gein Die – Cause of Death, Date & Final Day
overnightcaskets.com, bare.com.au, grammarly.com, dignityfunerals.co.uk, funeralguide.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Are Press and Journal death notices free to view?
Yes. The Press and Journal obituaries page and myfamilyannouncements are both free to browse. No subscription is required to read notices.
How long do death notices stay on the Press and Journal website?
Individual notices remain on the newspaper’s site for a limited period, but the myfamilyannouncements archive retains them for at least ten years.
Can I submit a death notice to the Press and Journal?
Yes. The process is handled by the classifieds department. You can submit via the Press and Journal’s family announcements page or contact the funeral home to place it.
What is the cost of placing a death notice?
Prices vary based on length and whether you choose a plain death notice or a full obituary. Contact the Press and Journal advertising team for current rates.
Do I need to create an account to search notices?
No. Both platforms allow searching without registration. You can view and print notices without logging in.
How can I find death notices from a specific town in Aberdeenshire?
Use the location filter on myfamilyannouncements to narrow by town. You can also browse the Press and Journal obituaries page by date and look for the town name in the notice.
Can I print a death notice from myfamilyannouncements?
Yes. Each notice page has a print-friendly view. You can also copy the text or save the page as a PDF.
What information is needed to place a death notice?
You will need the deceased’s full name, date and place of death, age, surviving family member names, and funeral or memorial service details if applicable.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, Whitehall, councils, local government and institutional reporting for Civic Affairs.