Merrilees Family Funeral Directors

09/04/2026

The family of the late Robert McLarty would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended his service on Tuesday 7th April at Falkirk Crematorium, and thereafter to Camelon Cemetery. Your presence, kind words, and support meant so much and brought great comfort to the family during such a difficult time.

A special thank you is given to Denise Jarvis Independent Civil Celebrant for delivering such a beautiful and comforting service, and for capturing Robert’s life so thoughtfully.

The family would also like to thank The Flower Girls for the care, kindness, and creativity shown in preparing Robert’s beautiful floral tributes.

Sincere thanks are also extended to all who generously donated in Robert’s loving memory to the Scott Martin Foundation, your kindness is truly appreciated.

Robert was a much-loved and devoted family member, and a loyal friend to many. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew him.

It has been a true honour and privilege to care for Robert, to guide his wonderful family, and to hear the stories of his life. We will continue to support them in the days and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Robert 🖤🤍

“May he rest in peace and love. His spirit will always be remembered.”

09/04/2026

The family of the much-loved June Ramsay wish to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who gathered on Tuesday 31st March at Falkirk Crematorium to celebrate her life.

They are also deeply grateful to all who have shared kind words, messages of love, and treasured memories in the days and weeks since her sudden passing. Your stories and reflections truly honour the life June lived and the wonderful person she was.

Sincere thanks are extended to independent celebrant Dougie Smith for creating and delivering such a thoughtful and fitting service, to Lynne at Poppy’s & Petals for her care and attention in arranging June’s beautiful floral tributes, and to the staff at the Lodge Zetland for their service and support with June’s funeral tea.

Grateful thanks are also given for the kind donations received in June’s memory for the Scott Martin Foundation, which are sincerely appreciated by the family.

June was deeply loved by all who knew her, a devoted family woman and a true friend whose warmth, kindness, and presence meant so much to so many. She will be truly missed every day, and her absence will be felt in countless ways, but the love and memories she leaves behind will continue to bring comfort to those who knew her best.

It has been an honour and a privilege to care for June, to meet her lovely family, and to learn about her life. We will continue to offer our support to them in the weeks and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, June 🖤🤍

“May she rest in peace and love. Her spirit will always be remembered.”

08/04/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

GRAY, Mandy & McCASKILL, Damien

With tender hearts, on behalf of their loving family, we announce the passing of Mandy Gray, aged 60 years, and her dearly loved and devoted son, Damien McCaskill, aged 38 years.

Damien passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, 5th March 2026, and Mandy passed peacefully at Strathcarron Hospice on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.

Mandy was a beloved mum to Damien, Bronwyn, Lily and Annie, and a proud and devoted nana to Joci, Florence and Fergus. A loving daughter to Linda and John, she was also a wonderful friend to many. Mandy was a true free spirit, giving her love freely and selflessly, always putting others before herself, and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and gentle nature.

Damien was a much-loved son to Mandy and Norman, and embraced as a son by Graham, and a loving dad to Joci. A cherished brother and grandson, he will be remembered with great affection. His presence brought laughter, love, and lasting memories to those around him, and he will be deeply missed.

Together, they leave behind a family who will miss them beyond words, but who will carry their love forward every day. Moments like these remind us of the profound bonds that connect families, even beyond this life.

Now reunited, they will remain together in love for all eternity.

A service of celebration for the lives of Mandy and Damien will be held on Friday, 17th April at 12:15 pm, at Falkirk Crematorium.

Family and friends are invited to attend.

Further service details are available on Mandy and Damien’s dedicated memorial page below.

mandygraydamienmccaskill.muchloved.com

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Mandy and Damien’s care and service arrangements and support their loved ones through such a difficult time and to help celebrate the lives they shared together. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love are with Bronwyn, Lily, Annie, Joci, and all of the wider family and many friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace 🖤🤍

“A mother’s love, a brother’s bond, never lost, only changed.”

For all enquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew at Ladysmill, Falkirk: 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

08/04/2026

🖤🤍 Bereavement Get Together – April 🖤🤍

This is a gentle reminder that our March bereavement get-together will take place tonight, Wednesday 8th April, at our usual time of 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start.

At the Blackmill Bar & Kitchen
193 Carronshore Road
Carron, Falkirk, FK2 8ES

As always, everyone is very welcome, regardless of whether or not we have cared for your family. This is not a structured support group, just a group of people who have all experienced loss and the difficulties that can come with it, coming together to eat, listen, and support one another.

There is no need to book a space; it is simply a drop-in if you are free and feel it would be beneficial. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member if this would help make things more comfortable until you get to know everyone.

All are very welcome.

For more information, please contact Sam or Andrew on 01324 636446.

We look forward to seeing you.
🖤🤍

06/04/2026

For those who are unable to attend the service for Mrs Mary Jackson, her family have kindly requested that we share the live stream link below.

Mary’s service will take place at Falkirk Crematorium tomorrow, Tuesday 7th April at 3:15pm

The live stream will be available to access approximately five minutes prior to the service.

https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

Please use the webcast login pin 192-4093 to access the live stream 🖤🤍

While issues are rare, due to the nature of the internet, live streaming can be subject to external influences that can cause interruption or disruption to the broadcast and/or recording of services. No guarantee is given that audio/visual data delivered over the internet will be uninterrupted or er...

02/04/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

JACKSON, Mary
Larbert

With heavy hearts, on behalf of her loving family, we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Jackson.

On Friday evening, 27th March 2026, the angels came down and took Mary to rest. A wonderful Mum, Granny, Mother-in-law, Sister, Auntie, Sister-in-law, and dear friend to so many.

Mary, born in Leeds in January 1938, became a proud mother in April 1971, a moment she always said was her proudest. She devoted her life unconditionally to her family, loving them all with extraordinary warmth and generosity.
She cherished her son, his wife Sharon, their children Elisa, Jay, and Luca, and Ava, Luca’s girlfriend, each holding a special place in her heart. Mary’s love extended to her beloved dog Bruno and her adopted animal companions, Lola and Albie. Her best friend Anne, Sharon’s mum, her brother Mike and his wife Di, Sarah and Roger and their children, Mark and Kirsty, along with Auntie Susan, were all part of her daily loving thoughts.
Mary often spoke with affection about her own heroes, her Grandma Jackson and her Nana and Grandad Crossley, keeping their memory alive through the stories and tales she passed down after they had gone.
Known for her kindness and generosity, Mary would have given anyone her last penny if she thought it might help or bring a little happiness to someone’s day. She never put herself first, always thinking of others in everything she did.

A service of celebration for the life of Mary will be held in Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday, 7th April, at 3:15 pm.

Family and friends are welcome to attend.

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Mary’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love are with Simon, Sharon, Elisa, Jay, Luca, and Ava, as well as all of Mary’s wider family and many friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Mary 🖤🤍

“This is not goodbye, only a 'see you later,' until we are together again.”

For all enquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew at Ladysmill, Falkirk: 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

31/03/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

McLARTY, Robert

With heavy hearts, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert McLarty.

Robert passed away at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on 20th March 2026, aged 83 years. A devoted dad, a proud granda and great-granda, and a great friend to many.

Robert was a much-loved man who meant the world to those around him. He brought warmth, kindness, and quiet strength into the lives of his family and friends. He was deeply loved, and that love will never fade. His presence and his love will be remembered and cherished always.

He will be so very sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His loss leaves a space that can never be filled, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him most and were proud to share in his life.

A service of celebration for the life of Robert will take place at Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday, 7th April at 10:45 am and thereafter at Camelon Cemetery for an interment.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

Further service and donation details can be found on Robert’s dedicated memorial page below:

robertmclarty.muchloved.com

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Robert’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love are with Heather and all of Robert’s wider family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Robert 🖤🤍

“You gave us love, strength and everything we needed; we will carry you with us always.”

For all enquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew on 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

30/03/2026

There have been important changes to how funeral plans are sold, all designed to better protect families and give greater peace of mind.

Since July 2022, funeral plans are now regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

This means:
🖤 Funeral plans must be provided by authorised,
regulated companies
🖤 Cold calling and pressure selling are no longer
allowed
🖤 Commission-based selling has been removed
🖤 Your money is protected and plans must deliver
what is promised
🖤 You now have access to independent support if
something goes wrong.

These changes help ensure that funeral plans are safer, clearer, and more trustworthy for everyone.

Also, many people don’t realise that it may be possible to transfer your existing funeral plan to another funeral director if your wishes change, just speak to the funeral director you would like to use for advice.

If you're considering a funeral plan or would simply like some guidance, we're always here for a friendly, no-obligation chat.

Sam & Andrew 🖤🤍

28/03/2026

As a family, we would like to personally thank all relatives, friends, and neighbours for the kindness and support shown to us during this difficult time.

Tracy, William and I are truly grateful to everyone who attended Mum’s service on Wednesday 25th March at the Grange Manor Hotel, and thereafter at Old Grandsable Cemetery, or who paid their respects in any way. Your presence and thoughtful messages have brought us great comfort.

A very special thank you to Independent Celebrant Dougie Smith, whose service was perfect in every way and captured mum exactly as she was. Your words brought great comfort to us all.

Our sincere thanks go to Lynne at Poppy's & Petals and the The Flower Girls for the beautiful floral tributes, which were greatly admired by all.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Grange Manor Hotel for their care, support, and professionalism throughout the service, and for providing the funeral tea afterwards. Your kindness and attention to detail meant so much to our family.

Finally, we are deeply grateful for the compassion and support shown to us all as we said goodbye to our much-loved mum, also a devoted gran, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, and friend. She was a truly kind and caring lady who touched the lives of so many. Her warmth, compassion, and gentle nature will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Rest in eternal peace, Mum, now back in the arms of Dad forever 🤍🖤

“May she rest in peace and love. Her spirit will always be remembered.”

28/03/2026

The family of the cherished Terence Buchannan, known to many as ‘Terry’, wish to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who gathered on Tuesday 17th March at St Joseph RC Church and thereafter at Hills of Dunipace Cemetery to celebrate his life.

They are also deeply grateful to all who have shared kind words, messages of love, and treasured memories in the days and weeks since his passing. Your stories and reflections truly honour the good times and the wonderful man Terry was.

Sincere thanks are extended to Father Matthew of St Josephs RC Church for creating and delivering such a thoughtful and fitting service, and to Lynne at Poppy's & Petals for her care and support in arranging Terry’s beautiful floral tributes.

Terry was deeply loved by all who knew him, a devoted family man and a loyal friend whose warmth, kindness, and presence meant so much to so many. He will be truly missed every day, and his absence will be felt in countless ways, but the love and memories he leaves behind will continue to bring comfort to those who knew him best.

It has been an honour and a privilege to care for Terry, to meet his lovely wife Christine and all of the family, and to learn about his life. We will continue to offer our support to them in the weeks and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Terry 💚🤍💛

“May he rest in peace and love. His spirit will always be remembered.”

A Bhoy's Farewell
The final whistle has blown, the match is done,
A loyal heart is resting now, another battle won.
From Paradise to a distant shore,
You'll sing the Celtic songs forevermore.
With the spirit of the Lions and a green-and-white soul,
You've reached the final, ultimate goal.
So take your place in the stands on high, And watch us cheer beneath the Glasgow sky.
Rest now, faithful Bhoy, for you know it's true,
You'll Never Walk Alone.

26/03/2026

The family of the much-loved Lindsay Baird would like to sincerely thank everyone who came together on Friday, 20th March at Falkirk Crematorium to honour and celebrate his life.

They are also truly appreciative of the many kind words, messages of support, and shared memories received in the days and weeks following his sudden passing. Each story and reflection has been a touching tribute to Lindsay and the wonderful person he was.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Independent Celebrant Dougie Smith for writing and delivering such a meaningful and fitting service, to Tammie for her kindness and care in arranging Lindsay’s beautiful floral tributes, and to the staff at Camelon Social Club for their service and support with Lindsay’s funeral tea.

It was clear to see just how much Lindsay meant to so many, reflected in the number of people who came together to support his family and pay their respects. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

It has been a true honour and privilege to care for Lindsay, learn about his life and support his lovely family. We will continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead, in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Lindsay 🖤🤍

“May he rest in peace and love. His spirit will always be remembered.”

19/03/2026

With new regulations due to be introduced within the funeral industry, it is more important than ever for families to feel informed, supported, and confident when choosing a funeral director.

Choosing a funeral director is a very personal decision, and it’s important families feel comfortable, informed, and supported in making that choice.

One of the most important things to consider when making that choice is reputation. At such a difficult time, you need someone you can trust, someone who will answer your questions honestly, guide you when needed, and support you throughout the journey.

Families are entirely within their rights to ask questions about a funeral director’s facilities, particularly regarding mortuary care and where their loved one will be looked after. Not all funeral homes operate with the same level of facilities, and it is important to feel reassured about the standards of care being provided. A reputable funeral director will always welcome these questions and be open in their answers.

We are proud to be a completely family-owned and run funeral home. Our small, dedicated team includes husband and wife Andrew and Sam, Sam’s stepdad Stewart, and our daughter-in-law Lauren. Together, we share the same values and commitment to caring for every family who comes through our doors.

We too have experienced loss, which has given us a true understanding of what families go through and allowed us to recognise what was often missing within our community in terms of funeral services and bereavement support. We have used that experience to shape our own unique way of caring for families, both during the arrangements and long after the day of the service.

Our care is unlike any other locally, and we take great pride in ensuring families feel that what we do is far more than a job, it is a way of life. We truly believe this is evident from the very first point of contact.

Nothing is more important to us than our own family, and we carry those same values into our business, ensuring that every family and loved one we care for feels that same sense of compassion, respect, and genuine support.

We are approachable and always here to help. We believe our role as funeral directors is to guide and support families, helping to make a difficult time as easy and as comfortable as possible. We are committed to offering only the services you truly need, and our prices remain consistent, transparent, and affordable.

It is also important to consider the standard of a funeral home’s facilities. Over the past four years since establishing our independent funeral home, we have worked hard to create a beautiful and welcoming environment, including a private visiting room and a modern, fully equipped mortuary facility.

These facilities allow us to promise that from the very moment your loved one is received into our care, they remain with us until the day we accompany them on their final journey, something that is unique within our area.

This means your loved one is cared for within our own funeral home at all times, ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism throughout.

Lastly, we believe transparency is incredibly important in the care we provide. We are always open and honest about how we work, the standards we maintain, and the facilities where your loved one will be cared for. We are more than happy to show family members exactly where their loved one will be resting, so you can feel comfortable, reassured, and confident in the care and dignity being given at every stage.

Merrilees- An Independent Family Business With Real Family Values. Serving our Community with Dignity, Respect and Understanding. Providing Compassionate Guidance and Professional Care to Families in Their Time of Need. 🖤🤍