Serving generations since 1806

When you place your trust in John Beattie you can expect the highest standards of professionalism, compassionate care and a truly distinct service. Whatever you need, whatever your plans, lean on our experience.

John Beattie and Sons is a typical Borders business, rooted in Hawick and serving the local Roxburghshire population. Founder John Beattie started out as a joiner, manufacturing coffins from premises in Langholm in the late 1700’s. By 1806, the business had become more specialised and he moved to Bourtree Terrace in Hawick where it was branded Joiner/Undertaker. The business was passed to his son and several generations later, Scottish Rugby Internationalist, Jock Beattie, took the helm in 1960. At this time, “Sons” was formally introduced as Jock successfully ran the business with his sons, Rob and John, until Jock’s death in 1978.
In 1990, Rob and John took the decision to cease the joinery element of the business and become dedicated funeral directors. This prompted a move to the current premises on Weensland Road. After John’s death in 1999, Rob continued to run the company until his own retirement in June 2009.
Rob Beattie sought out another family business with Borders roots, ethics and experience to take on the legacy of his family business. William Purves, Funeral Directors with its five generations and reputation for premier funeral services was a natural fit and took over the business in 2011. The values of compassion, dedication, integrity and respect are at the heart of John Beattie & Sons as the team continue supporting bereaved families in Hawick and the surrounding area today.

William Purves history

 

Putting your family first

As the final ritual of life, a funeral is our way of saying goodbye, honouring a life lived and a life loved. Funerals play an important role in our grieving process and often we can feel a huge responsibility to get it right. Which is why we start with the view that every funeral is unique and every funeral is special. In years to come we want you to look back without regret and take comfort from the way you laid your loved one to rest. We have been guiding and supporting families through bereavement for many generations. Let our family help your family by sharing with you the wealth of understanding and experience we have gathered over the years.

Our team

As independent funeral directors we serve bereaved families in our local community.

News & Blog

Explore our blog and news section for advice, resources and the latest news affecting funerals.

News & Blog

Explore our blog and news section for advice, resources and the latest news affecting funerals.

Latest Posts

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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...

Why you can trust us to care

Every funeral is different.  And that truth also applies to funeral directors. We promise to support you, and your loved ones, in arranging a funeral that’s just right and here's why.   Compassion Our staff choose to do this job because we care deeply about families....