Our Direct Cremation Service
Our Direct Funeral Services
Simple, never impersonal
A direct cremation is a simple cremation without a formal service, sometimes referred to as an unattended cremation.
Some people choose this because it’s what they have always wanted, others because they prefer a simpler, more affordable option, or quite simply because they don’t want a fuss.
Choosing a direct cremation doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your loved one’s life. Families can still choose to hold a private memorial or gathering with those closest to them at a later date, once their loved one’s ashes have been safely returned to their care.
This allows families to remember and celebrate their loved one’s life in their own time, in their own way, and in a way that feels most fitting for the person they knew and loved.
We also offer the option of a direct burial for those who would prefer burial without a formal service. This can be discussed in more detail during your arrangement appointment, where we’ll happily explain what’s involved and answer any questions you may have.
With us, simple never means impersonal. Whether you choose a direct cremation or direct burial, your loved one will remain in our care here in Falkirk, looked after personally by Andrew and Samantha, with exactly the same dignity, compassion and respect we give to every person entrusted to us.
What’s included: £1,450, all in
- bringing your loved one safely into our care, from anywhere within 20 miles of Falkirk
- their personal care while they’re with us
- a simple coffin
- arranging everything with you, at our funeral home or in your own home
- all the necessary paperwork, including Falkirk Council’s
- taking your loved one to the crematorium in our hearse. We always use our hearse, never a private ambulance.
- a scatter tube for the ashes, if they are being returned to the family
- the Falkirk Council cremation fee
£1,450 is the full cost. There’s nothing else to pay, unless you choose to add something small, like a single rose.
How a direct cremation works
- You call us, day or night, on 01324 636446. If your loved one has died at home, call the family doctor first; in hospital or a nursing home, the staff will arrange the paperwork with a doctor.
- We bring your loved one into our care here at Thornlea, whether that’s from home, a nursing home, Forth Valley Royal Hospital or Strathcarron Hospice.
- We arrange everything with you, at your home or at our funeral home, at a pace that suits you. We’ll explain how to register the death, which in Scotland must be done within 8 days.
- On the day, we take your loved one to the crematorium in our hearse.
- The ashes are returned to you, if you’d like them, in a scatter tube.
Simple, but still personal
Even with a direct cremation, you can still:
- dress your loved one in their own clothes
- visit them in our visiting room
- have them leave from their own home on the morning of the cremation
Direct cremation or a cremation funeral?
The difference is the service. A direct cremation has no mourners and no ceremony at the crematorium, which keeps the cost down. A cremation funeral brings family and friends together for a service first, with a limousine, a choice of coffins and everything that goes with the day.
If you’re torn between the two, call us. We’ll explain both honestly and help you choose what’s right for your family, not what costs the most. You can compare all our options on the funeral services page.
From a local family, not a national company
Many direct cremation companies operate nationally, collecting from all over the country and caring for people at a central hub far from home. With us, your loved one stays here at Thornlea, in our own mortuary in Falkirk, and you speak to the same two people from your first call to the day you receive their ashes.
Merrilees is an independent, family-owned business. Andrew and Samantha have around 20 years’ experience in the funeral industry between them; you can read more in our full story. We care for families across Falkirk, Grangemouth, Polmont, Larbert, Stenhousemuir, Bo’ness, Denny and Bonnybridge.
Receiving the ashes, and remembering them
A scatter tube is included, so the ashes can be returned to you to keep, scatter or inter. If you’d like something to remember them by, we can also arrange memorial keepsakes and ashes jewellery.
Choosing a direct cremation doesn’t mean going without a goodbye. Many families gather later in their own way: a celebration of life at home or a favourite place, scattering the ashes somewhere that meant something, or a small get-together with the people who knew them best. We can also share the news on our funeral notices page, so friends know they have passed.
Questions families ask
Can family attend a direct cremation?
A direct cremation takes place without mourners. If you’d like to gather at the crematorium for a service, a cremation funeral may suit you better, and we’re happy to talk through the difference.
Can we hold a memorial later?
Yes. Many families hold a memorial or celebration of life in their own time, once the ashes have been returned.
Can we see our loved one before the cremation?
Yes. You’re welcome to visit them in our visiting room, by appointment, at no charge.
Are there doctors’ fees on top?
No. In Scotland there are no doctors’ fees for cremation.
Is there help with the cost?
If you receive certain benefits, you may be able to get a Funeral Support Payment from Social Security Scotland. You’ll find more on our funeral costs page.
What if we change our minds and want a service?
Just tell us. Nothing is fixed until you’re happy, and we can arrange a cremation funeral or a burial instead.
"Even though this was a basic service we were involved with every single detail, allowed to see her and even say goodbye at the crematorium."
Sam, Andrew and their buisness are a credit to their industry. The absolute best in the area! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Campbell Family
Your company is an assett to this community and we wish you all the very best in the future.
xxx
The McLarty Family
From the moment we walked through the door, we knew we were in the right hands, they truly “just get it.”
At one of the hardest times in our lives, they showed us a level of care, compassion, and understanding that went far beyond anything we could have expected. Every detail was handled with such dignity and respect, and everything, from the team themselves to the beautiful, peaceful premises, was absolutely immaculate.
But what meant the most to us was seeing our mum.
The difference was overwhelming, truly like night and day from what we had experienced before. She looked so beautiful, so peaceful, just like herself.
That final memory they gave us is something we will treasure forever, and we will never be able to thank them enough for that.
They didn’t just do their job; they cared deeply.
They gave us comfort when we needed it most, and treated our mum with the utmost love and respect.
To receive this level of five-star service, yet still have it be so affordable, is incredible. We are so grateful we chose them, because now we understand what true funeral care should look and feel like.
Thank you Andrew, Sam and the family at Merrilees x
The White Family
We cant thank Sam & Andrew enough for all they did for our family since the passing of our beloved dad/husband Terry.
Their love, care & support has ment so much to us all at a time when it was needed most.
Their service and the people they are is a huge credit to their profession and everyone at the service thought you were just amazing.
Thanks again, love from all of Terry’s family xxx
The Buchannan Family
Thank you both for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity you showed our beautiful daughter Ashlee. At a time of unimaginable pain, your compassion, patience, and quiet reassurance meant more to us than words can truly express. From the moment Ashlee was in your care, we knew she was being treated with the utmost respect and tenderness, and that gave us great comfort.
Thank you for guiding our family with such professionalism and humanity, and for honouring Ashlee so beautifully. We will always be deeply greatful for everything you did for her and for us.
Lisa, Donald, Jayden, Brian & Lyn (Ashlees Grandparents) xxx
The Family Of Ashlee Easton
Andrew& Sam,
Just to say how much we as a famiy, appreciated so so much everything you did for Roddy and us, in the care and the kindness you showed to us at the most difficult time.
You are a very special couple and after all you have gone through yourselves i think you are quite remarkable. Look after yourselves the way you look after everyone else who vome to you.
Take care
Liz, David, Ian & Jacq xx
The Dow Family
Day or night
We're here whenever you need us
Call Andrew or Samantha any time, day or night. We can talk things through on the phone, meet you at Thornlea on Ladysmill, or come to you at home.