Planning a Winter Dove Release in Scotland

There’s something truly special about a winter dove release.
White doves rising into a pale sky create a moment of stillness that holds both peace and remembrance.

Even when the days are short and the air feels cold, releasing doves reminds us that love never fades. It simply takes new form.

Can You Release Doves in Winter?

Yes, you can.
With the right care and timing, a winter dove release is every bit as safe and beautiful as a summer one.

At Acts of Dove, our trained white doves are strong, intelligent, homing birds. They handle the cool Scottish climate with ease and fly confidently home to their lofts, even in the crisp winter air.

What matters most is knowing when not to release them.
We never release our birds in heavy rain, snow, fog or darkness. Their safety always comes first.

If conditions change, we adjust the plan by shifting the time, choosing a sheltered spot or rescheduling.
This care and flexibility are part of what make our Lanarkshire and Glasgow dove releases professional and respectful in every season.

How We Care for Our Doves During Winter

Our doves are part of our family, cared for daily by my dad, who has a lifetime of experience in pigeon and bird care.
Each bird is regularly health-checked, trained and handled gently so they stay confident and calm in all conditions.

Their lofts are kept dry, clean and insulated through the colder months.
And yes, we even make sure their water bowls don’t freeze over, which often means my dad heading out with a kettle while the doves look on as if to say “about time!”

This level of care gives families peace of mind, knowing that their memorial dove release is handled with compassion and professionalism from start to finish.

Choosing the Right Moment

Winter light has a calm beauty that feels perfectly suited to remembrance.
We recommend holding your dove release for a funeral or memorial earlier in the day, when the sky is clear and bright.

Every release includes a personalised poem, written especially for the person being remembered and read aloud before the doves take flight.

A symbolic dove release is more than a gesture.
The sight of white wings lifting into the sky creates a quiet connection that words cannot always express.

Adding Meaningful Touches

A winter memorial dove release brings a different kind of peace.
The air is still, the light lower, and the sound of wings feels clearer in the quiet.

Flowers on the basket in seasonal tones such as whites, pale pinks, evergreens or berries
A single dove released first, representing a loved one, followed by a group symbolising family and friends
Music that suits the season, such as festive instrumentals, gentle piano pieces or something personally meaningful chosen by the family

Each of these details adds its own layer to the experience.
The colours, the music and the atmosphere come together to create a feeling of warmth and reflection.
Winter releases have a slower rhythm that invites everyone to pause, breathe and take in the meaning of the moment.

A Moment of Light in the Darkest Months

Winter can feel long and heavy, especially for those grieving.
Yet there is beauty in its stillness; a chance to stop, reflect and remember.

When families release doves in winter, they often describe a feeling of lightness afterwards.
As the doves rise and circle above, hearts lift with them and the silence that follows brings peace.

It is not about saying goodbye forever.
It is about honouring love and letting that love take flight.

Even in the coldest months, love always finds its way home.

Looking Towards Christmas

As we approach Christmas, it is natural for thoughts to turn to those we miss.
For many families, the holidays bring both comfort and ache. They are filled with memories that warm the heart and moments that stop us in our tracks.

I am currently preparing our annual Christmas Memorial Dove Release in Glasgow, an event that means so much to me and to the families who attend each year.
It is a chance to pause, reflect and honour the people we love but can no longer see.

If you are finding the festive season difficult this year, here are a few gentle reminders that might help:

Acknowledge the sadness. You do not have to be festive if you are not feeling it.
Keep a small tradition alive. Light a candle, hang a special ornament or play their favourite song.
Talk about them. Share stories and memories. It keeps their presence close.
Give yourself permission to rest. Grief is heavy, and slowing down is okay.

Grieving at Christmas is not about forgetting joy.
It is about finding ways to hold both love and loss in the same heart.

And sometimes, that love takes flight in the shape of a dove rising into the winter sky.

If You Are Considering a Winter Dove Release

We are always happy to help families plan something personal and meaningful, whether it is a funeral dove release, a memorial or a Christmas remembrance service.

You can contact us through our website (www.actsofdove.com/booking), our Facebook page, or by phone if you would prefer to talk things through.

Every release includes:

Your choice of flowers on the basket
A personalised poem
A recorded and edited video of the release
And the care and attention every family deserves

Winter might bring cold air and quiet skies, but love does not stop for the season.
It simply finds new ways to be seen.
And when a dove rises into that stillness, it reminds us of that truth every single time.