Borders Crematorium

04/09/2025

A beautiful photo taken at Aylesbury Vale Crematorium yesterday as we bid farewell to summer.

Thunder rolls, the sky grows grey,
Rain falls softly, then drifts away.
Sunlight warms the earth below,
And paints the sky with a rainbow’s glow.

03/09/2025

We were proud to host a special event at Queen Margaret University yesterday evening, offering local funeral directors and celebrants an exclusive first look at our immersive funeral services coming soon to Edinburgh as we prepare to open the doors to East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens.

These services will use dynamic projections, lighting, and soundscapes to help families celebrate their loved one’s stories, passions and interests in more meaningful and personalised ways.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed their insights, and to our valued partners at Obitus.

We’re looking forward to the official opening of East Lothian soon and the positive impact this will have on the Musselburgh and Edinburgh community.

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/GGet50WQaqF

02/09/2025

Westerleigh Group now offers Westerleigh Funeral Plans, created to help funeral directors provide those looking to plan ahead with peace of mind through fixed-price, trust-backed funeral plans.

These plans guarantee a cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium and include flexible options to meet families’ needs, all supported by low admin fees and straightforward onboarding for a funeral director.

If you’re a funeral director interested in offering these plans, please contact us at fdplans@westerleighgroup.co.uk or find more info here: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/funeral-plans/

We’re proud to launch Westerleigh Funeral Plans – a new range of trust-backed funeral plans specifically created for funeral directors to offer to their local families.

By combining national strength with local expertise, these plans offer families peace of mind while supporting funeral directors to serve their communities.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans offer:
• A guaranteed cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium
• Flexible options from attended services to direct cremation.
• Fixed pricing to protect families from rising funeral costs
• Support for the family throughout the funeral arrangements, provided by the local funeral director.
• Low admin fee to maximise funds for the funeral itself
• Simple onboarding and dedicated account management

With over 30 years of experience and 41 crematoria nationwide, we support over 74,000 families each year. These new plans ensure we continue delivering exceptional care, working with funeral director and supporting local families in their time of need.

To learn more about how Westerleigh Funeral Plans can support your funeral business and the families you serve, visit our website: https://ow.ly/KgSr50WBlOy

01/09/2025

A memorial can be a beautiful way to celebrate the life of someone special. Whether it’s a garden feature, a bench, or a personalised plaque, we’d be honoured to help you create something that holds deep meaning for you and your family. Until Friday 31st October 2025, we’re offering 20% off cremation and burial memorials when purchased with a lease in the same transaction.

Find out more: https://www.borderscrem.co.uk/make-an-appointment.php

27/08/2025

Last night, our team at Basildon and District Crematorium & Cemetery and Crematorium hosted an exclusive launch for funeral industry professionals, showcasing the transformation of Riverview Chapel into an immersive funeral venue.

Developed in partnership with Obitus the chapel uses cutting-edge technology, tailored sound, visuals, and immersive themes to create truly personalised services — something bereaved families in Basildon, Essex, and beyond haven’t had access to before.

Families can now choose from a wide range of themes to reflect what mattered most to their loved one — from peaceful florals and football stadium backdrops to a beach scene brought to life on screen.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined last night’s launch, and to Obitus for helping to make this vision a reality 💜

Read more about Basildon’s immersive funeral services here: https://ow.ly/c0TB50WM0mI

22/08/2025

You’re not alone ❤️

Grief touches every part of us — emotionally, physically, and mentally. It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed by sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion after losing someone dear. These emotions are part of the healing process, but for some, they may also deepen feelings of anxiety or depression.

At Borders we understand how important it is to care for your mental wellbeing during this time. Whether it’s speaking with a friend, seeking professional support, or simply allowing yourself space to feel — every step toward healing matters.

21/08/2025

We’re proud to launch Westerleigh Funeral Plans – a new range of trust-backed funeral plans specifically created for funeral directors to offer to their local families.

By combining national strength with local expertise, these plans offer families peace of mind while supporting funeral directors to serve their communities.

With over 30 years of experience and 41 crematoria nationwide, we support over 74,000 families each year. These new plans ensure we continue delivering exceptional care, working with funeral director and supporting local families in their time of need.

To learn more about how Westerleigh Funeral Plans can support your funeral business and the families you serve, visit our website: https://ow.ly/9zJ350WBlOz

20/08/2025

The build at East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens continues to gather momentum, with some key milestones taking shape on site. The main entrance pillars and columns are now close to completion, adding real presence to the approach, while work to the boundary walls and floral tribute roof is progressing well.

Landscaping across the grounds is also advancing, helping to bring the overall vision for the site to life. Inside, mechanical and electrical first fix works are underway, alongside the completion of the reception porch joinery, which marks another important step forward.

Looking ahead, the team will be focusing on roof tiling, the continuation of the floral tribute structure, and the service yard concrete pour, as well as plastering and screeding across internal areas.

It’s fantastic to see the project developing week by week, and we’re grateful to City Gate Construction for their continued hard work in bringing East Lothian Crematorium closer to reality.

19/08/2025

Please be careful when driving to us today, there are currently sheep loose on the road just past the Crematorium & Wairds Cemetery. The farmer is aware 🐑

14/08/2025

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR NEXT CELEBRANT FIONA SNEDDON 🌹

Hello, I’m Fiona. Although I’m new to the world of funeral celebrancy, I have been a specialist nurse working in cancer and palliative care for many years and I understand how difficult it can be to make sense of everything when someone you love has died.

I believe that it is really important that your ‘final gift’ to your loved one is giving them the funeral that feels right for them and you. I will work with you with kindness and care, be your compassionate and gentle guide and give you a safe space to share memories and stories. I will spend time with you to make sure that, together, we create the unique, personalised ceremony that is right for you.

I’m based in beautiful, rural East Lothian close to the A68, so can travel across Mid and East Lothian and down to the Borders area. I’m happy to conduct your final goodbyes in whatever setting feels right for you. I embrace all faiths and none.🌹

celebranthumbie@gmail.com
Fiona Sneddon

11/08/2025

Work continues to progress steadily on the East Lothian Crematorium project, being delivered by City Gate Construction.

Last week, we completed the chapel ceiling and continued with the work on the formation of pathways/roadways, the car park, the floral tribute area and the remaining plastering.

This week, we expect to receive all timber deliveries, complete the overflow carpark, continue with the landscaping and finish the draining to the surrounding building.

It’s exciting to see this build taking shape every week as we get closer to completion – and soon, we’ll be serving the Edinburgh community.

08/08/2025

Every goodbye should feel just right for the person you're remembering. At Borders Crematorium, we’re all about adapting to what matters most to you—whether that’s the little details or the big ones.

We recently had a service that featured a Land Rover Hearse from William Purves Funeral Directors, which added a really personal touch. It’s moments like these that help make each farewell feel truly unique and meaningful.

07/08/2025

We’re proud to launch Westerleigh Funeral Plans – a new range of trust-backed funeral plans specifically created for funeral directors to offer to their local families.

By combining national strength with local expertise, these plans offer families peace of mind while supporting funeral directors to serve their communities.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans offer:
• A guaranteed cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium
• Flexible options from attended services to direct cremation.
• Fixed pricing to protect families from rising funeral costs
• Support for the family throughout the funeral arrangements, provided by the local funeral director.
• Low admin fee to maximise funds for the funeral itself
• Simple onboarding and dedicated account management

With over 30 years of experience and 41 crematoria nationwide, we support over 74,000 families each year. These new plans ensure we continue delivering exceptional care, working with funeral director and supporting local families in their time of need.

To learn more about how Westerleigh Funeral Plans can support your funeral business and the families you serve, visit our website: https://ow.ly/KgSr50WBlOy

06/08/2025

SPOTLIGHT ON ONE OF OUR CELEBRANTS MAR BRADLEY🌹

I’m Mar – a compassionate and thoughtful celebrant with over 30 years' experience in education. I bring calm presence, gentle humour, and a genuine love of people to every ceremony.
Saying goodbye to someone you love is one of life’s most profound moments. Whether it's a quiet, private goodbye or a celebration of life filled with shared stories, every farewell deserves to reflect the person behind the memory.

As a civil celebrant based in the beautiful Scottish Borders, I will work closely with families to create heartfelt, personal ceremonies—honouring your loved one’s life in a way that feels authentic, warm, and true to their story. 🌹

Mar, Celebrant

02/08/2025

We would love to take this opportunity to welcome you to our open day on Saturday 13th September, 10am to 2pm.

Come and join us for some light refreshments, meet our friendly and supportive team and enjoy a tour of our beautiful grounds and facilities.

You will also be able to meet local bereavement service providers to discuss any question or information you may have around the bereavement industry.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/xZZx50WswLV

29/07/2025

After 15 months of growth, development, and hard work, we’re proud to congratulate our latest Manager in Training graduates.

From their first day in March 2024—bringing a mix of nerves and excitement—this talented group has gone from strength to strength. Their journey concluded with three impactful presentations delivered to a panel of leaders from across Westerleigh Group, demonstrating their confidence, growth, and leadership potential.

👏 During the programme, three internal promotions took place—an incredible reflection of their dedication and drive.

We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Watching their development has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.

28/07/2025

🕊️ Visitor Notice – Melrose Junction Traffic UPDATED 29.7.25

Please be aware that temporary traffic lights at the Melrose Junction are still currently causing delays in the area. If you are attending a service or visiting us, we kindly recommend allowing extra time for your journey.

28/07/2025

Our East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens project continues to take shape, with significant progress made on site last week.

All glazing and windows have now been installed, and major works to the car park, drainage systems, and roofing are complete. Internally, the chapel ceiling has been plastered and eaves detailing finalised, while installation of cremator room equipment is well underway. The boundary wall and fencing are progressing well, and SPEN works have been completed with the new meter now fitted.

As we move into the next phase, work is continuing on the stone façade at the main entrance, the reception porch is taking form, and pathways through the garden areas are being laid. The final internal finishes are also advancing across several rooms.

We’re incredibly proud of the care and attention going into every aspect of this build. Once complete, East Lothian Crematorium will provide a peaceful, thoughtfully designed space for the local community for many years to come.

Thank you to City Gate Construction and all our partners for their continued hard work and dedication.

17/07/2025

We understand how important it is to create a lasting tribute for a loved one.

We are currently offering a contribution of between £50 and £550 towards the cost of a new memorial purchased between now and 31st August 2025.

To find out more, please pop in or call our office on 01896 823357 and speak with a memorial advisor.

17/07/2025

Spotlight on one of our local Funeral Directors in Hawick Robson's Funeral Directors

“At Robson’s we believe that every family should have an appropriate and fitting service for their loved one and we are here to help you through this very difficult time. We offer all aspects of funeral care and aim to make the arrangement process as stress free as possible, allowing you to be with your family and friends.”

Chris & Ross

11/07/2025

Work continues to progress steadily on the East Lothian Crematorium project, being delivered by City Gate Construction.

This week saw continued stonework on the main entrance, further development of the chapel ceiling, and roofing works including tiling, leadwork, and flat roof membrane installation. Windows and glazing are being installed, plastering has begun in key internal areas, and work on the floral tribute walkway is well underway. The coffin store roof has now been completed, and boundary wall construction using reclaimed stone is progressing.

Looking ahead, next week will focus on completing the stone facade around the entrance, building the reception porch, advancing roofing and drainage work, and continuing with internal finishes. Equipment for the cremator room is due to arrive, and fencing work along the boundary lines will continue.

Thank you to everyone on-site for the continued hard work and dedication as we move closer to completion.