Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is William Purves a privately owned company?

A. Yes, William Purves established his business in 1888, and the company remains one of the few family owned companies in the Edinburgh area.

Q. Do you have a chapel that we can use to hold the service?

A. Yes, at our main office, Oakvale Funeral Home on Whitehouse Loan, we have a chapel that will seat up to 50 people. We also have parking facilities at this office. Our office in Dalkeith also has a small chapel.

Q. What happens to the flowers after a service?

A. After a service at the crematorium, the flowers are usually left at a viewing area at the side of the chapel for two or three days, after which they are disposed of. Families are welcome to go and view the flowers during this time and or to take them away. Flowers at a cemetery are placed on the grave and left for a period of time before being disposed of.

Q. Can I get help with payment of my funeral account?

A. It is sometimes possible to get help paying a funeral account. An application can be made to the DWP (formarly DSS & DHSS) if the person arranging the funeral is claiming any benefits already. This is not something that is guaranteed, and is considered on a per case basis. It is also important to note that whilst the DWP will pay for a simple cremation, there may be extra costs incurred.

Q. Is there a minister associated with the crematorium?

A. No, many people think that there is a minister assigned to the crematorium to take services for people who have no church connections. This is not true. Visit our clergy information page for more details.

Q. How long after a service will I get the ashes back?

A. Usually it takes about a week before the ashes are returned to us. At this point it would be best to telephone us to make sure we have the ashes before coming into our office to collect them. In certain circumstances, we can arrange for you to have the ashes sooner. We must let the crematorium know about this in advance. It is usually not possible to have the ashes the same day as the funeral.

Q. Are the ashes definitely those of my loved one?

A. Yes, each cremator is only big enough to hold a single coffin and once the cremation has taken place, the ashes are emptied from the cremator before the next cremation can take place. Each set of ashes is individually identified to ensure that all ashes collected are identified to each person cremated. A certificate of cremation is issued with each set of ashes.

Q. Does the coffin get cremated?

A. Yes, under the crematorium rules, nothing may be added to or removed from the coffin once it has been placed on the catafalque in the crematorium chapel.

Q. Can I scatter ashes anywhere?

A. Ashes can be scattered anywhere provided that, if the land is privately owned, permission is granted from the land owner. Ashes cannot be scattered on a grave in a cemetery. Many people choose to scatter ashes at sea, in the hills or at a place with special meaning.

Q. Can I play tapes or cd's at the crematorium?

A. Yes, visit our page on music for more information. Please note tapes or cd's must be taken to the crematorium at least 24 hours in advance of the service.

Q. Does the family have to collect the B & C (cremation) form from the hospital?

A. No, When we go to the hospital to remove the deceased, we will collect the B & C forms. We must then take this cremation form to the crematorium at least 24 hours in advance of the funeral service, along with the other paperwork.