Funeral & Memorial

Funeral Directors in Glasgow: Compare Costs & Reviews

Glasgow has a rich tradition of funeral service with many long-established family firms serving the city's communities. This guide helps you understand Glasgow funeral costs, find trusted local funeral directors, and save money by comparing quotes.

Glasgow Funeral Costs at a Glance

  • Direct cremation: £1,100-£1,700
  • Simple cremation with service: £1,800-£2,600
  • Traditional cremation: £3,500-£4,900
  • Traditional burial: £4,200-£6,000

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Average Funeral Costs in Glasgow

Glasgow funeral costs are roughly in line with the UK average, though Scottish traditions and practices can differ from the rest of the UK. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Service TypeGlasgow CostUK Average
Direct Cremation£1,100-£1,700£1,000-£1,800
Simple Cremation£1,800-£2,600£1,800-£2,500
Traditional Cremation£3,500-£4,900£3,500-£4,200
Traditional Burial£4,200-£6,000£4,000-£5,500

What Affects Glasgow Funeral Costs:

  • Crematorium fees: £650-£900 depending on crematorium and time slot
  • Burial lair costs: £900-£2,800 (Scottish term for burial plot)
  • Type of funeral director: Independent family firms vs national companies
  • Scottish traditions: Specific customs like 'purvey' (funeral meal) add to costs

What to Expect from Glasgow Funeral Directors

Glasgow funeral directors maintain strong Scottish traditions while offering modern services. Many are family-owned businesses with deep community roots. Most Glasgow funeral directors offer:

Standard Services Include:

  • • 24/7 removal and care of the deceased
  • • Arrangement consultations (office or home)
  • • Preparation and care of deceased
  • • Coffin provision (range of options)
  • • Hearse and funeral transportation
  • • Crematorium/cemetery arrangements
  • • Death registration assistance

Additional Services Available:

  • • Chapel of rest facilities
  • • Embalming when required
  • • Limousine services
  • • Order of service printing
  • • Floral arrangements
  • • Purvey (funeral meal) arrangements
  • • Memorial cards and notices

Scottish Funeral Traditions:

  • The Purvey: Traditional funeral meal, often held at a local hotel or function room
  • Death notices: Commonly placed in The Herald or Evening Times
  • Lairs not plots: Scottish term for burial plots, often family lairs
  • Longer services: Scottish funerals often include hymns and longer ceremonies

Glasgow Crematoriums

Glasgow and surrounding areas have several crematoriums serving different parts of the city. Location choice can affect costs and convenience for mourners:

Daldowie Crematorium

Daldowie Road, Carmyle, Glasgow

  • • Glasgow's main crematorium
  • • Two large chapels (East and West)
  • • 30-40 minute service slots
  • • Memorial gardens and remembrance options

Linn Crematorium

Lainshaw Drive, Cathcart, Glasgow

  • • Serves South Glasgow
  • • Single large chapel
  • • Modern facilities
  • • Memorial garden and book of remembrance

Maryhill Crematorium

Dalsholm Road, Bearsden, Glasgow

  • • Serves North and West Glasgow
  • • Two chapels available
  • • Pleasant grounds
  • • Good parking facilities

Clydebank Crematorium

Overtoun Road, Dalmuir, Clydebank

  • • Serves West Dunbartonshire and West Glasgow
  • • Modern facilities
  • • Single chapel
  • • Memorial options available

Coatbridge Crematorium

Calder Street, Coatbridge

  • • Serves East Glasgow and North Lanarkshire
  • • Two chapels
  • • Memorial garden
  • • Easy access from M8

Paisley Crematorium

Hawkhead Road, Paisley

  • • Serves Renfrewshire and South-West Glasgow
  • • Modern crematorium facilities
  • • Single large chapel
  • • Memorial gardens

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Types of Glasgow Funeral Directors

Independent Family Firms

Glasgow has many long-established independent funeral directors, often serving the city for generations. These offer personal service with strong local knowledge and community connections.

Examples: John Fraser & Sons, Wylie Funeral Directors, Mitchell Bros Funeral Directors

Price range: £3,000-£4,700 for traditional service

National Chains

Large funeral companies with multiple Glasgow branches offering standardized services, fixed pricing structures, and nationwide coverage.

Examples: Co-op Funeralcare (multiple branches), Dignity Funeral Services

Price range: £3,400-£5,300 for traditional service

Direct Cremation Providers

Specialist providers offering affordable direct cremation without a traditional funeral service. Operate mainly online and by telephone across Scotland.

Examples: Pure Cremation, Simplicity Cremations, Scottish direct cremation services

Price range: £1,100-£1,700 for direct cremation

Traditional Glasgow Firms

Deeply rooted Glasgow funeral directors with traditional Scottish values, often offering the most personal and community-focused service. Many families use the same firm for generations.

Characteristics: Personal service, local reputation, understanding of Scottish customs

Price range: £2,900-£4,600 for traditional service

How to Choose a Glasgow Funeral Director

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Prices vary significantly across Glasgow. Always compare at least 3 funeral directors to ensure fair pricing.

2. Check Local Reputation

Glasgow has strong community networks. Check Google reviews and ask for recommendations from family and friends.

3. Request Itemized Pricing

Ask for a detailed written quote showing all costs, including crematorium fees, lair costs, and any additional services.

4. Consider Scottish Customs

Ensure the funeral director understands and can accommodate traditional Scottish funeral customs if these are important to you.

5. Consider Location

Choose a funeral director near your preferred crematorium or cemetery to reduce transportation costs and simplify logistics.

6. Check Professional Membership

Look for membership in professional bodies like NAFD or SAIF, which ensure standards and ethical practices.

Ways to Save Money on a Glasgow Funeral

Choose Direct Cremation

At £1,100-£1,700, this is Glasgow's most affordable option. Hold a memorial gathering separately if desired.

Book Off-Peak Times

Early morning or midweek slots can be £100-£200 cheaper at Glasgow crematoriums.

Skip the Limousines

Save £150-£300 by having family drive their own vehicles.

Choose Simple Coffin

Basic veneer coffins are dignified and save £200-£1,000 compared to premium options.

Compare Quotes

The most effective way to save—can reduce costs by £800-£1,500 for the same service.

Simplify the Purvey

Consider a simple tea and sandwiches at a local venue rather than a formal hotel meal to save £200-£600.

Source Flowers Directly

Funeral directors mark up flowers. Use Glasgow florists directly to save 40-60%.

Print Order of Service Yourself

Save £50-£150 by designing and printing service sheets yourself or using online services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a funeral cost in Glasgow?

Direct cremation costs £1,100-£1,700, simple cremation with service £1,800-£2,600, traditional cremation £3,500-£4,900, and traditional burial £4,200-£6,000. Costs vary by funeral director and service choices.

What is a lair in Scottish funerals?

A lair is the Scottish term for a burial plot. Lairs can be single (one burial) or family lairs (multiple burials over time). Costs range from £900-£2,800 depending on cemetery and type.

What is a purvey in a Glasgow funeral?

A purvey is the traditional Scottish funeral meal held after the service, typically at a hotel or function room. It can range from simple tea and sandwiches (£10-£15 per person) to a full meal (£25-£40 per person).

How long does it take to arrange a funeral in Glasgow?

Typically 2-3 weeks from death to funeral, allowing time for death registration and booking a crematorium slot. This timeline is similar across Scotland.

Can I get help with funeral costs in Glasgow?

If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for a Funeral Support Payment (Scotland's version, replacing Funeral Expenses Payment). You can claim up to £1,000 for burial or cremation fees.

Are Glasgow funeral directors regulated?

Yes, reputable funeral directors are members of professional bodies like NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) or SAIF, which enforce codes of practice and standards.

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