Funeral FAQs

In the UK, burial and cremation have long been the only ways to legally lay a loved one to rest with hydrolysis legally possibly in Scotland from March 2026 once a facility is available. Crematoria were introduced in large centres of population and this trend continued in contrast to the availability of land.

As a result, today we see high numbers of burials in rural areas compared to cities. Burial costs involve the purchase of land and professional fees from the burial authority to open and inter a coffin and there may be additional charges for those considered out-of-area. From 2026, the purchase of new land in Scotland will offer a right of burial for 25 years after which re-registration will be required every 10 years thereafter. Land owned before this remains unaffected and belongs to the title holder for use at any time. Throughout the UK, some cemeteries will not allow land to be pre-purchased before time of need. Burial costs overall tend to be higher taking into account the fees above and the additional costs incurred by having a separate service or celebration of life away from the graveside.

In the UK, the trend towards crematoria has steadily grown as it now represents almost 80% of the funerals. There are fewer costs associated with a cremation as the service is in one location and is often shorter in time than a burial. Over the last decade, direct or unattended cremations have grown in popularity. With no service involved, it’s a no-fuss and affordable option but may not suit loved ones left behind with no formal way to pay their respects.

Hydrolysis in Scotland offers a third funeral option which is perceived as gentler and greener to cremation. With no facility yet, we cannot provide cost comparisons but anticipate it will pique interest in its first few years and ultimately challenge the cremation market share.

Choosing the right funeral should be influenced by many factors, and our team of professionals are available to offer free advice to families planning a funeral now, soon or in the future.

Some see a funeral as a celebration of life. For others, the funeral is one thing, and the celebration is a different event.

We can assist with both and other options: memorials, tributes, celebrations, wakes, shin-digs, 19th hole party – however you want to pay your respects.

For executors, charged with a funeral on behalf of a friend or client who has no family, or for someone who wants a no-fuss send off that is as low cost as possible, we would suggest a direct or unattended cremation.

For those that want a private family only funeral, but anticipate a larger celebration of life for friends, neighbours, colleagues and others to pay their respects, we can arrange both elements for the same day or over two dates as required.

We can blend both to suit budgets, larger or small numbers, in different locations with all the support needed.

Funerals are individual. They’re unique to the person who’s died but also for the family or loved ones left behind. Ask our team for help and guidance to ensure you balance the needs of your family while respecting the wishes of the person who’s died to get it “just right”.

With a large fleet to offer, we can assist with large numbers on the day. For some funerals, our cars have been hired to transport flowers or displays, as well as people and we can arrange to collect or convene as suits you. Baby car seats need to be provided by families and we can also arrange to collect officiants or celebrants as well as arrange routes of significance. It’s also possible to blend hearses: start with a Mercedes or Land Rover Defender hearse and change to a horse and carriage. Where we can, we’ll make all your ideas possible.

On the day, we’ll provide attendance cards and pens as mourners arrive, or leave these on the seats in your venue. These invite messages of condolence and stand as a touching tribute to record who came on the day. As people leave, we collect the cards and deliver them to you.

There’s no right or wrong answer. Retaining ashes is a very personal thing. Some people want to scatter them at a later date, while others want to keep them on the mantelpiece or wherever family gather. We can help by providing practical storage advice and guiding you to make the decision that’s most fitting for you and your family.

Graveside displays are typically left on the grave but we can arrange other funeral flowers to accompany you at every stage of your arrangements.