A NEW independent funeral director has opened for business in Galashiels.
A & A Doyle has taken over the premises at 10 Bank Street, formerly occupied by Nickel & Dime, and this week the firm received a major vote of confidence, as partner Allan Doyle explained.
“We actually opened for business on January 3, but we then had to undergo an extremely rigorous inspection on all aspects of our service, including our premises and knowledge of the law, to achieve membership of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD),” said Galashiels-born Allan.
“We have now received confirmation that we have been fully accepted into the NAFD which is really the kite mark for funeral directors and means that families who choose us are covered by the Funeral Arbitration Service.
“To achieve this accredition in such a short time is highly unusual and, along with the business we are already transacting, makes us feel really chuffed.”
The other half of A & A Doyle is Allan’s wife Awdri – a familiar face in the local funeral sector having work for seven years with Co-operative Funeralcare which is based in the town’s Channel Street – and the couple live with their two daughters Niamh and Rachael at their home at Beechwood, Lawyers Brae.
Awdri told us: “When families are bereaved, they often don’t know who to turn to or what do do.
“Allan and I will do our utmost to provide families with a caring, dignified and friendly local service.
“In particular, our clients will benefit from personal care and attention 24 hours a day, which means we are happy for people to come to our house out of office hours and weekends and we will help guide them through the whole process of organising the funeral.
“There are two other funeral directors in the town, but both are part of larger organisations with head offices outwith the Borders, so we are stressing that we are very much a local company helping local people when they need help most.
“In my years a funeral director, I worked closely with many families and consider it a great privilege to be able to care for the deceased and always aim to treat them as I would a member of my own family.”
Allan, whose business background is in printing and marketing, said his wife was “passionate” about offering a first class service.
“Awdri always goes that extra mile to make sure every detail is taken care of,” he told us. “Perhaps this is a skill she learned from her own parents who were also both funeral directors.
“As someone born and bred in Galashiels, I’m delighted to offer this independent service to the town and the response since we opened has been extremely encouraging. We have carried out many funerals and even had enquiries from much further afield from people interested in our special pre-paid funeral packages.
“I know we are both looking forward to offering the highest possible standards of care to Galaleans and Borderers of all faiths and none with a pricing structure that reflects the tough times we live in.”
A & A Doyle are at 10 Bank Street, Galashiels TD1 3EN. Telephone: 01896 757779. Website: www.doylefunerals.co.uk