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Reflections of a funeral director

Reflections of a funeral director

Time waits for no man and this month I celebrate reaching the milestone of sixty years. Is that possible, already? Over half of, what seems a very brief lifetime, I have been a Funeral Director. Over thirty years, in a profession where traditions are so jealously...
Choosing the right coffin

Choosing the right coffin

Comparing the last 12 months to the year before, we have seen a shift towards funeral events that were highly personal. A key element of the uniqueness was often the coffin. At the heart of a funeral, it’s the recognisable stand-out moment. This is especially true at...
How planning your funeral can actually help your tax position

How planning your funeral can actually help your tax position

You’ve heard the phrase: “there are two certainties in life: death and taxes.” What’s less well known is that planning ahead for one’s funeral tomorrow can actually help improve their tax position today.  And as the tax-year end approaches, interest in...
Minister Urges Mourners Not to “Turn Up”

Minister Urges Mourners Not to “Turn Up”

At a time of significant restrictions, Andrew Purves gives perspective on the debate surrounding roles and responsibilities in the face of unexpected crowds attending Scottish funerals. His comments were in response to the Scottish Health Minister’s reminder that...
Funerals in the bleak midwinter

Funerals in the bleak midwinter

As one of the UK’s most popular Christmas carols, various versions of In the Bleak Midwinter are cheerfully sung in churches, village halls and high streets throughout December. Roll on a few weeks and I can assure you, there are fewer places bleaker in...
Defending Funeral Directors – Scotland on Sunday/Evening News

Defending Funeral Directors – Scotland on Sunday/Evening News

Tim Purves vigorously defends the role of funeral directors following a high profile fine imposed on an English firm for not policing unexpected crowds in The Scotland on Sunday newspaper. Funeral directors ‘should not be responsible’ for policing mourner...
Memorials Replace Big Funerals – The Times

Memorials Replace Big Funerals – The Times

Today’s Times features our second generation memorials team at work, providing lasting legacies for loved ones at a time when funeral attendance is so restricted....

Tim Purves reflects on the effects of Covid-19 – WCC Podcast

In a podcast for the World Council of Churches, Tim Purves comments on the profound affect Covid-19 has had on funerals. He outlines his concern for the bereaved in months to come and you can hear an excerpt of the interview below. However, if you would like to listen...
To View or Not to View – Answers to Your Questions

To View or Not to View – Answers to Your Questions

Managing Director James Morris explains why saying goodbye is healthy and quite normal.I really wish we had a better word for it. When someone has died, ‘viewing’ is the term we use when families come in to our funeral homes to say goodbye to their loved one. In our...