A BORDERS funeral director firm is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year.

William Purves founded the funeral in 1888 in Duns, however the brand now has 25 branches across Scotland – including in Galashiels, Hawick, and Peebles – and northeast England.

The firm has built a lasting legacy of supporting families, and was even selected as the funeral director chosen to organise HM Queen Elizabeth II's Scotland Procession after she died last year.

Tim Purves, chairman of William Purves and descendant of the brand's founder

Tim Purves, chairman of William Purves and descendant to the founder said:

“I am proud to be celebrating William Purves’ 135th anniversary this month and to be continuing the legacy of our family-owned business.

“For 135 years, William Purves has been at the vanguard of funeral innovation, always rising to the challenges of the times. Including the rise in cremation services, the growing use of funeral tech, and most recently the hardship of the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

“It is a mark of the business' success that we have modernised and adapted, while retaining the key values of compassion, integrity, dedication, and respect on which William Purves was built.

“Thank you to the many families who have placed your trust in William Purves, and for allowing us to continue the legacy that my great great grandfather started in 1888.”

William Purves has helped with more than 100,000 funerals since 1927.

Last year the firm merged with CR Low of Selkirk, and the Peebles branch celebrated 10 years of serving the community.

Over the last five years the brand has installed a mortuary in Hawick as well as a bespoke memorials workshop in the town.

Leslie Stewart, Borders branch manager, said of the anniversary: “It is incredible to be celebrating this milestone year with William Purves.

“Our branches have supported grieving families for many years and are thrilled to have been able to continue this service under the William Purves brand. With the extended team and additional resources, we are now in a stronger position to continue our legacy of helping local families in the Borders now and in future years.”