Being an independent, family-run business allows Lomond Funeral Services to provide personalised service to every client. We were impressed by the consistency of client feedback in relation to this, as many praise them for their high level of attentiveness.

With this non-commercial approach to business, Lomond is able to provide excellent all-in cremation packages that make room for some flexibility. From direct cremation to bespoke service, we love that they have some wiggle room for clients to customise certain details.

This is a far cry from the typical packages that are encountered in most service providers. What’s more, Lomond keeps the package fees fixed regardless, offering peace of mind to grieving clients.

Lomond also boasts the lowest price guarantee among competitors in Glasgow and even Edinburgh, which clients can attest to. They have received countless appreciations for providing the best rates in the area, despite tailoring services for each unique client.

They also cover all crematoriums in Scotland for the same fees, unlike most competitors who will adjust rates based on the location and type of crematorium selected by the client.

Most importantly, clients love the meticulousness of the staff’s coordination. We like that they are easy to contact every step of the way, and will go out of their way to take care of even the smallest of details for clients.

Their incredible sensitivity and compassion are likewise well-remembered by clients, and this goes a long way in creating a meaningful experience at a crucial time in these families’ lives.

We think quite highly of Caledonia Cremation, as we admire this not-for-profit group’s advocacy to end funeral poverty. Unbeknownst to many, loved ones struggle financially to afford a cremation or burial for a loved one.

With Caledonia Cremation, they get to work out a direct cremation for the deceased at a reasonable rate, with no hidden extra charges. Although they only do direct cremations, we love that the package includes all the essentials.

We like that Caledonia Cremation understands that many bereaved families get trapped by expensive cremation rates because the packages are fixed and include a lot of unnecessary frills. With this, they created a basic package with affordable optional add-on services.

The thoughtfulness and sensitivity are also second to none. Caledonia Cremation doesn’t demand payments or deposits upfront and is willing to adjust with financially strained clients to work out the best arrangements.

Clients also appreciate the clarity and consistency of communication. Even while planning over the phone, Caledonia Cremation keeps them informed at every stage of the process, which provides some welcome reassurance and relief.

Several clients summed up their experience with Caledonia Cremation in three words: care, compassion, and empathy. And we couldn’t agree more – we think that these funeral directors are award-winning because of the values they uphold and espouse.

One of the unique features of Greg Stewart & Son’s package inclusions is beautiful bagpipe playing, care of Greg Stewart himself. Clients are extremely appreciative of his musical talent, which provides a meaningful backdrop to the service.

Although they tend to be more expensive than their competitors, we can understand why. The strength of Greg Stewart & Son’s lies in its value-added services, which make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of each service.

From flowers and music to ordained ministers and celebrants, Greg Stewart & Son’s is happy to arrange these details for clients. They also offer a customisable Order of Service booklet, which allows bereaved families to truly personalise the details of the event.

We think these are great ways to tailor-fit such a pivotal experience for families and friends grieving the loss of a loved one. By creating ample room to tailor-fit the cremation service, Greg Stewart & Sons empowers clients to remember the deceased in a personal and meaningful way.

Coordination is also not a problem as the team can organise a church or chapel service prior to the cremation upon request. It is covering these details for the client that makes such an impact, given that these are people who are in shock and just beginning to grieve.

As to their level of care, clients love Greg Stewart & Son’s for their friendliness, professionalism, and supportiveness. They really go out of their way to make things as effortless as possible, which shows us how genuinely they desire for clients to focus on the important task of grieving.

We honestly can’t fault Mitchells Funeral Directors for anything as they offer everything clients need to have the most meaningful cremation send-off for a deceased loved one.

They provide a 24-hour callout service without extra charges, which we think is a kind and thoughtful gesture. Not only that, their rates are generally reasonable – and given the high calibre of service they provide, this easily makes them a top choice for cremation services.

Mitchells has different cremation suited for various preferences and budgets, starting with direct cremation. All the packages are all-in, including cremation fees, which spares the client from shelling out these extra costs.

We love that they are sensitive to the financial needs of clients, as they don’t require a deposit before commencing services. They are also willing to flex with packages, allowing clients to customise details as much as possible.

They accept Funeral Support as well, and funeral directors are more than willing to assist clients with the application. We think that this is a great value-added service for clients who are not in the best headspace to deal with administrative tasks and paperwork.

Acknowledging the difficult circumstances of clients, they are also open to doing home visits instead of requiring them to go to their office. We like how this gesture makes clients feel safe and comfortable while organising an emotionally difficult event.

Finally, being a family-run business, their level of attentiveness to every client is impeccable. Clients find their team kind, respectful, and compassionate – qualities that make a cremation service provider a reliable support system for grieving families, instead of just a supplier.

Malone & Fox is one of the most reasonably-priced cremation services we’ve encountered.

 We appreciate how they’ve made the basic cremation package accessible to most families, given that many bereaved clients suffer the financial strain of covering for the service.

One of the things that clients appreciate the most about Malone & Fox is honest selling and transparent pricing. Unlike typical for-profit service providers, they don’t pressure clients to buy packages that they can’t afford or push for unnecessary frills.

The cremation fee that they’ve factored into the package fee is based only on one specific crematorium for direct cremation. Moreover, this fee isn’t included in their traditional and contemporary packages.

We’re not sure how the total fee for direct cremation will change should the client have a particular crematorium in mind, but this is only a minor issue that most clients can probably overlook.

Their knowledge of local traditions is also impressive, and this will go a long way with locals who want the most memorable and personal cremation for their deceased loved ones. 

As they are also a family-run business, they have the capacity to provide top-quality personal servicing, and clients can attest to this. Many of them vouch for feeling looked after and well-supported by the team, not just during the cremation itself, but even before and after.

Clients remember Malone & Fox for their compassion and care. They not only treat the bereaved family with dignity and respect but even guests and relatives, which we think is wonderful.

Hester & Lalli is an esteemed and award-winning independent family funeral service provider committed to offering support and guidance during times of grief and loss.

They are dedicated to creating funeral services that honor and reflect the life of your loved ones, offering a range of services, including cremations and burials, tailored to your unique wishes.

In an era where many funeral directors are part of larger conglomerates, Hester & Lalli remains an independent family-run business. This independence allows them to offer personalized services and build trust with their clients, making the difficult process of planning a funeral more comforting.

With a wealth of experience, Hester & Lalli maintains the highest standards of service. They emphasize a person-centered care approach, acknowledging that each family is unique, and they cater to these individual needs with the utmost professionalism.

The recognition awarded to Hester & Lalli in 2022 as the recipient of Scotland’s Best Funeral Package at The Scottish Funeral Awards is a testament to their dedication to excellence. Their commitment to providing exceptional service during the most challenging times in people’s lives has earned them this prestigious recognition.

Although they offer prepaid funeral plans, the review could benefit from more details regarding the available plans, what they include, and the associated costs. Providing prospective clients with a clear breakdown of plan options and pricing would enhance transparency.