Thorburn Funeral Directors
Helping families in mid and upper Annandale since 1958
Guiding you with knowledge
Thorburn Funeral Services
Here when you need assistance the most
Our History
Thorburn Funeral Directors are a 4th generation family run firm and have been helping families in the Mid and Upper Annandale areas, including Ecclefechan, Lockerbie, Lochmaben, Beattock, Moffat and all surrounding villages, since 1958. Back then, it was tradition for the local Carpenter, with skills that translated to coffin making to take on the role as undertaker for the town and so our small family run independent business, serving the town of Lochmaben, was established.
Since then, we have overseen many positive changes including the recent extension and refurbishment of our premises providing us with bigger and much improved facilities for ourselves and for our families and to accord with the 2018-19 annual report to Funeral Directors by the Scottish Government. Our business has grown and we now serve the much larger community of Mid and Upper Annandale. This has been overseen by Kenny Bell (3rd generation) and in recent years along-side his son Steven who brings with him fresh new ideas and at the same time secures the future of our services for many years to come.
Our Staff
Kenny has trained and worked as a funeral director for over 25 years and learned most aspects of the profession from previous generations.
Steven is also currently studying at the college for Independent Funeral Directors adding to our existing experience and knowledge of the funeral profession.
Notwithstanding these changes we endeavor to remain consistent and personal and provide a funeral service that meets your families’ needs. We know and appreciate local customs and expectations. We have a long-term commitment to our community. This is where we have lived all our lives and this is where we intend to stay.
When your family suffers bereavement it can be extremely distressing, overwhelming and often life changing. Whatever your requirements we will answer any questions you may have and will help you to arrange the most suitable funeral for your loved one. We regard it as a privilege to be able to assist families at such an important time and we understand a tremendous demonstration of trust is placed in us by the family.
Affiliation
As an independent firm, we are members of The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). SAIF is a trade association whose members are all independent funeral directors. In fact, a large proportion of SAIF members' have been run by the same family for generations.
Accreditation
The Independent Funeral Directors (IFD) College was founded in November 1995 with the aim to provide funeral directors a comprehensive educational source of the funeral profession whilst at the same time awarding accreditation from ‘One Awards’, a quality assurance organization through verbal questioning, written assignments and observation.
After achieving all credits for Health and Safety in the Funeral Profession, Funeral Practitioner, Funeral Administration and Funeral Operatives courses, Steven has now completed the course in its entirety and has been awarded the Certificate in Funeral Practice and in turn has accepted a recent invitation to become a member of the college subject to evidence of continuous Personal Development.
Our Premises
As we strive to provide the best possible service to the residents of Lochmaben, Lockerbie, Moffat and surrounding villages we have recently invested in work to extend and refurbish our Chapel of Rest. After careful consideration and consultation with SAIF we are pleased to have premises that provide the absolute correct facilities in accordance with the new SAIF Code of Practice but at the same time offers the space, privacy and diversity the community will benefit from.
Our facilities now boast a large office space, a family waiting room, a family lounge and adjoining visitation room which have all been designed and furnished with influences of calm, quiet and tranquility. Our clinical rooms complete the extension and refurbishment.
Our premises are manned weekdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm going someway to meet our commitment of being available 24/7. Outside these hours we are available on telephone number 01387 810263.