William Purves Funeral Directors - inc John Beattie & Sons

13/03/2026

On 2 March 2026, Scotland introduced an important change to burial rights — new burial plots purchased from that date will now be owned for 25 years, with the option to renew in 10‑year increments.

In our latest blog, we outline what this means for families, why the law was introduced, and some recommended next steps.

Read the full article here: https://f.mtr.cool/pdiqdwqdcr

12/03/2026

Since the legalisation of hydrolysis in Scotland on 2nd March, we've collated the most commonly asked questions about the science behind the process itself.

Find out how it works in our latest blog post: https://f.mtr.cool/tarwszxdlj

If you have any additional questions about hydrolysis, send us a message so we can help you.

11/03/2026

Speak to us for help to speak to others.

Let our teams help with tricky conversations about funerals. We can offer practical support with planning, guide you through key decisions and share your choices with loved ones.

Call us on 01450 377 284 at any time, 24/7, every day of the year.

Or, pop into our branch Monday - Friday between 9am and 5pm:

Weensland Road
Hawick
TD9 9NW

08/03/2026

Today, on International Women’s Day, we recognise and thank the women across the William Purves family for the compassion, care and commitment they bring to a variety of roles.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflects the value of supporting one another, sharing experience and working collaboratively — principles that underpin how our teams work together and support the families we serve.

05/03/2026

Complimentary books on grief are available in all our branches.

For adults and children, we're here to help with difficult conversations and to support those facing loss on World Book Day - and every other day.

03/03/2026

Hydrolysis is now legal in Scotland, with families soon able to choose a third funeral option alongside cremation and burial. This marks one of the most significant changes in funeral legislation for over a century and, once a fully operational facility opens, will offer more choice for Scots looking to arrange ever more unique and memorable goodbyes for their loved ones.

Our Chief Operations Operator, Andrew Purves, has featured in media coverage across a variety of channels in recent days. In case you missed it, you can catch up on our TV, radio and podcast, or online features via the links below:

📺 TV
BBC Scotland NewsReporting Scotland: https://f.mtr.cool/tnvvcleeij
Channel 5 News: https://f.mtr.cool/jiztgpekgi
STV News: https://f.mtr.cool/oiffykxcwq

🌐 Digital

BBC News: https://f.mtr.cool/gwpyyxilnp
The Guardian: https://f.mtr.cool/vzjtbzkvdh
The Telegraph: https://f.mtr.cool/vtubuzfoyw (subscribers only)
Daily Mail : https://f.mtr.cool/cbittjefwl

📻 Radio & Podcast

BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast: https://f.mtr.cool/ygtqfrcrzz
BBC Radio Scotland Scotcast: https://f.mtr.cool/lqhjezckoe

02/03/2026

Today, water joins cremation and burial as a third funeral option available to families in Scotland which will be known as hydrolysis.

The launch of legalisation by the Scottish Government paves the way for more choice and personalisation of someone's final goodbye.

As we await the first facility to be built, families interested in finding out more can read our blog on what Hydrolysis is, the environmental impact and reasons to choose it.

https://f.mtr.cool/hmxvjgzron

27/02/2026

Hiring: Trainee Memorial Stonemason (Full-Time), Hawick

Are you eager to learn a new skill? Do you enjoy being outdoors and a job that offers a balance of practical skills and workshop experience?

This full-time role involves working with a small team to install and remove memorials in cemeteries and churchyards, as well as learning the crafts of sandblasting, inscription and finishing. It includes manual handling and working outdoors in all seasons.

Visit https://uk.indeed.com/job/trainee-memorial-stonemason-6459bf9f0b01b60d to apply for this position.

25/02/2026

It's National Funeral Planning Awareness Week and we're encouraging people to have conversations around their funeral wishes.

Sharing your wishes with loved ones in advance gives them more confidence and makes them more informed when the time comes.

We'll help you lead a conversation with your family now. Find your local branch https://f.mtr.cool/hyvaqptzyr

24/02/2026

'She loved pink - but what shade do we choose?'

We've seen some families wrestle with the smallest, but also the most significant details, when organising a funeral. Your plan of wishes allows them to focus on saying goodbye.

Record your free plan of wishes today: https://f.mtr.cool/ertzlxsbkt

21/02/2026

It's a Happy BIG Birthday to Kenny King.

With his signature smile and great humour, Kenny ensures families across the Borders get the highest level of personal service at all times. Happy birthday Kenny, and have a great day celebrating.

18/02/2026

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆
𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭
(𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤)

Peacefully at St Margaret's Nursing Home on 14th February, 2026, Robert (Bert) Young, husband of the late Betty, much loved dad to Robert and Diane, father-in-law of the late Sandra, loving papa to Alastair, Darren, and Emma, great-grandad to Harry, Chloe, Chea, Corey, and Flora. Will be sadly missed x. Service in Beattie’s Acorn Chapel on Wednesday, 11th March at 12.15pm, interment thereafter at Wellogate Cemetery at 1pm. All friends are respectfully invited. Family flowers only please.

Visit for Obituary Details