William Purves History

Family run for five generations

When you place your trust in William Purves you can expect the highest standards of professionalism, compassionate care and a truly distinct service.

1888

William Purves
In 1888, William Purves, a craftsman and cabinet-maker from the Borders, gave his name to the company. He started his career as a joiner and by the end of the 19th Century he and his 10 joiners undertook cabinet making, french polishing, upholstering and … undertaking.

1900s

Willie Purves
By the early 1900’s his son Willie became the second generation to carry on the family business opening a funeral office in Marchmont Road.

1962

John Purves
John (or Jack as he was known) was a time-served joiner who worked alongside his father Willie until he died in 1962. John retired the joinery side of the company and opened a funeral office with rest rooms, a service chapel and bought the first hearse (an Austin 3 litre) and Daimler funeral cars.

1975

John and Graeme
Jack had 5 children and fostered many more. His son John, became the fourth generation of Purves to join the company, taking over when his father passed away in 1975. John worked with his brother-in-law Graeme Brown to open more William Purves offices throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Today

The Company has 20 William Purves branches with an additional 5 funeral director brands and one stonemason under its banner. The company currently employs around 100 people across Scotland and North East England.

Latest Posts

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Financial benefits of funeral planning

As we approach the fiscal year end, those looking to retirement are called on to top up ISAs and review their tax position and budgets. Enquiries about our Prepaid funeral plans often rise around this time of year. And here’s why. They are an efficient way of...

Championing International Women’s Day 2024

In a profession that's been traditionally male dominated, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our funeral directors, Sharon Laing in Inverurie in Aberdeenshire and Kim Ramshaw from Monkseaton, North East England. Neither set out to be a funeral director but their...

Inside the Undertakers – come on in

The BBC’s documentary “Inside the Undertakers” with Stacey Dooley last Autumn was the latest behind-the-scenes programme to explore the funeral sector.  Early on, Dooley confesses her fears surrounding death and sets out to confront the many myths and taboos...