W.G. Catto has been an established Moray based, family run, funeral director for over 120 years. Originally listed as joiner, upholsterer and cabinetmaker, the family manufactured coffins for customers as part of their service. Like many joiners during the early 20th Century, this provision gradually extended to arranging the whole funeral.
During this time, two generations of family members and other employees trained in the company and grew to set up their own joinery, upholsterer and undertaking businesses, even a baker, some of which are still in existence throughout the Morayshire region.
Over time, the focus shifted to full time funeral directing and the Catto family continued to run the business until the death of Willie Catto in 1980.
His widow Moira sold the business to Forres based undertaker and joiner, Sandy Smith a year later and it was loosely renamed to Smith & Catto. In 1983, current branch manager, Doug Kirk, joined the team in Forres and Elgin having worked as an engineer and lab technician.
In 2003, Sandy sought out another family business with ethics and experience to take on the legacy of his own. William Purves, with its five generations and reputation for premier funeral services, was a natural fit.
