More financial help to pay for 2020 funerals

We applaud the additional support made available for families to pay for funerals from the Scottish Government as of 1 April 2020. Low income families can now claim £1000 towards the expenses related to a funeral. This increase of £300 represents the first rise in a...

New Paid Bereavement Leave for Working Parents

We welcome the news that from April 2020, working parents who lose a child under the age of 18 will be eligible to two weeks paid bereavement leave. The new legal right is called “Jack’s Law” in memory of Jack Herd, whose mother campaigned for employed...
The Big Interview – Scotland on Sunday

The Big Interview – Scotland on Sunday

In this exclusive interview with the Scotland on Sunday, Tim Purves, fifth generation of the Edinburgh based family run firm explains why in 2019, the company continues to grow and deliver a key service for local families. “Not the cheapest but certainly not one...
Why it makes financial sense to plan your funeral now

Why it makes financial sense to plan your funeral now

In today’s Herald, Chairman Tim Purves talks about the benefits of funeral planning today. Around 15% of Scots admitted they would struggle to pay for their funeral. Reports from insurance providers as well as the Scottish Government affirm that few of us have made...

William Purves Haddington rebrands from Wood & Hay

Some 20 years after we bought Haddington based Wood & Hay, we are finally bringing the company under the William Purves family umbrella. William Purves bought Wood & Hay in 2000, from previous owner, George Wood who specifically wanted to pass on the business...
Toy Story4 theme to be a funeral favourite

Toy Story4 theme to be a funeral favourite

This month’s launch of Toy Story 4 features a Joni Mitchell hit “Both Sides Now” which is being tipped as a future funeral anthem. Listeners of the Chris Evans Breakfast Show @ Virgin Radio today were treated to an extended play of the song following...
Are DIY funerals the right choice?

Are DIY funerals the right choice?

The status quo of how UK funerals are delivered is constantly being challenged. Traditional models of mourning are still very popular in Scotland. What we see more of nowadays are personalised events where families take a prominent role in managing their loved one’s...
Managing Your Digital Death

Managing Your Digital Death

By 2100, Facebook is expected to have 4.9 billion deceased members according to a report in The Guardian based on a study by Oxford University. Researchers believe by 2070, dead members could outnumber the living. Even once you have died, your digital footprint lives...