Cremation
Choosing the right option
There are different types of cremation and it’s important to consider what fits best for you and your loved ones.
Direct cremation is an unattended funeral, arranged at the convenience of the crematorium, and includes the return of ashes. Recognising the importance for our families to say goodbye, we also include dressing and viewing opportunities. Not all funeral directors will offer this. Some of our families opt for direct cremation in conjunction with a same-day event that enables them to gather together and say goodbye
but not in the crematorium.
Standard cremations include an attended funeral service in a crematorium chapel. These can range from a simple no-fuss send-off, a traditional funeral with flowers, music, readings or something that is much more elaborate. For some families, this is the only event and others combine it with a celebration afterwards.
Ashes are returned a few days later.
Our team will help guide you and your family to the choice that best fits, taking all of these
considerations into account.
Watch our video designed to help anyone planning a funeral by showing what they can expect on the day. This is a guide only and the order of events are entirely flexible based on your choices.
Edinburgh Crematoria
Mortonhall Crematorium
Located on the south side of the city. It has two chapels - the Pentland Chapel, which can seat about 60 people and the Main Chapel, which can seat 200 or more people.
Warriston Crematorium
Located to the north east of the city. It has two chapels - the Cloister Chapel, which can seat about 60 people and the Lorimer Chapel which can seat around 200 people.
Seafield Crematorium
Located on the east side of the city and has one chapel which seats about 130 people.
Lothian and Borders Crematoria
West Lothian Crematorium
Just outside Livingston, this chapel holds around 112 people with room for a further 100 standing.
Houndwood (East Lothian)
Located off the A1 at Eyemouth, the main chapel can accommodate 120 people.
Borders Crematorium
Based in Melrose, there is a chapel with 100 seats and room for a further 50 people standing.
Parkgrove Crematorium
Twenty miles out of Broughty Ferry, Parkgrove has a large chapel which seats just under 170 people.
Northumberland & North Tyneside Crematoria
Whitley Bay Crematorium
Tynemouth Crematorium
West Road Crematorium
The West Chapel seats approximately 180 mourners and the East Chapel 165. Each chapel is equipped with an a streaming service for playing music as well as being able to live stream and record services. Both chapels have an induction loop system installed and are wheelchair accessible.
Blyth Crematorium (Cowpen Crematorium)
Located to the north of the town, the main chapel seats 50 alongside an overflow chapel also seating 50 with services being relayed onto a large screen
Fife & Dundee Crematoria
Brewsterwells Crematorium
Brewsterwells is a newly built crematorium outside St Andrews which can cater for 150 seated and a further 30 standing.
01334 303 505
Kirkcaldy Crematorium
Located on the north side of town and can accommodate 180 people seated with further standing room.
Dundee Crematorium
Located in the north of the city and has a main chapel which can accommodate 160 people.
Urns & keepsakes
Arrange a Funeral FAQs
Is there a cost difference between a burial and cremation?
The choice varies depending on which part of the country you live in. Urban areas have good access to crematoria but burial ground spaces are increasingly limited. Conversely, rural areas have plenty ground but are further away from crematoria. The costs vary between the regions so call us to find out what the options are for your area of choice.
With family in many countries, can we arrange a small private funeral now and have a larger celebration of life on a different date - and can you help with both arrangements?
We can assist with all elements of event planning for a funeral including celebrations after - whether they are on the same day or at later date. Whether you want a simple tribute or an extravagant memorial event, we're here to help you and your loved ones.
Are we limited to the number of cars?
You can have as many cars as you like. Our fleet of limousines can be fitted with screens to comply with any social distancing restrictions set by the Government which will continually evolve. We can arrange as many cars, and even arrange alternative transport from luxury coaches to more individual alternatives should you require it.
I am worried about thanking everyone who attends...
We can help. As there are limits on who can attend a funeral, we offer online obituaries where people can leave online tributes and messages of condolence. You can provide details about the funeral before or add messages of thanks after and then link from your own social media. In the future, when larger numbers are once again allowed, we can provide attendance cards for mourners to sign or leave a message of condolence. We collate them for you after the funeral so you can focus on saying goodbye.
How long should we keep the ashes?
There's no right or wrong answer. Retaining ashes is a very personal thing. Some people want to scatter them at a later date, others can't bear to part with them. We can help by providing practical storage advice and guiding you to make the decision that is most fitting for you and your family.
Can we take the flowers home after the funeral?
You can keep or leave, all or part, of any tribute just as you please. Often a memento is taken by family members or sometimes sprays can be left at the graveside. There is no "rule".
