Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral Services in Ayrshire
Established in 1870, Thomas McKellar & Sons is a family-run funeral director business serving East Ayrshire with branches in Kilmarnock, Stewarton, Galston, and Darvel. Our fourth-generation team combines over 150 years of local expertise with national qualifications, including the highest industry certifications in funeral directing. We provide compassionate, dignified services for cremations, burials, and repatriations, supported by 24/7 availability and a dedicated care facility. Our partnership with Golden Charter Funeral Plans offers pre-paid arrangements protected against future cost increases. Recognised by the National Association of Funeral Directors, we maintain meticulous attention to detail in our fleet, coffin preparation, and ceremonial services.Our staff, including experienced funeral directors and administrators, prioritise personal service informed by deep local knowledge. We operate under strict financial safeguards through the Golden Charter Trust, ensuring long-term reliability for families. Our commitment to transparency includes clear pricing documentation and guidance through legal requirements. Community involvement spans generations, with team members active in local organisations and cultural activities. This enduring legacy of trust ensures families receive both professional excellence and empathetic support during challenging times.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Burial Services
Repatriation
Funeral Planning
Highlights and features
- Fourth-generation family business established in 1870
- 24/7 availability for immediate support
- Diploma-qualified funeral directors with psychology expertise
- Golden Charter partnership with price protection guarantees
- Meticulous attention to detail in fleet and coffin preparation
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Personal and caring service
Professional expertise
Immaculate funeral fleet
Local knowledge
Compassionate approach
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We provide comprehensive funeral arrangement services tailored to individual preferences. Our qualified directors guide families through every decision, from venue selection to legal documentation. With 24/7 availability, we ensure timely support during emotional times while maintaining meticulous attention to personal wishes.
Cremation Services
Offering traditional and woodland cremation options across Scotland. We coordinate all aspects including chapel bookings, transportation, and memorial arrangements. Our services include guidance on officiant selection and music choices to create meaningful ceremonies.
Burial Services
We arrange traditional burials and green interments in woodland sites. Services include grave preparation, headstone coordination, and cemetery liaison. Our local knowledge ensures appropriate venue selection while respecting family traditions and budget considerations.
Repatriation
Specialist repatriation services for deceased persons returning to or from Scotland. We manage all logistics including documentation, transportation, and customs clearance. Our experience ensures compliance with international regulations while providing compassionate support to bereaved families.
Funeral Planning
Pre-paid funeral plans protect against future cost increases. We offer flexible options with fixed pricing for our services. Plans can be tailored to specific wishes including music selections and ceremony details, providing peace of mind for both individuals and their families.
People
Tom McKellar
Owner
Fourth-generation funeral director with 50+ years experience. Kilmarnock Rotary Club member and former Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus singer. Leads the business with traditional values and modern professionalism.
Louise McKellar
Funeral Director
Diploma-qualified funeral director with psychology background. Manages care facility operations and ceremonial arrangements. Combines professional expertise with local knowledge from her Darvel upbringing.
Cameron McKellar
Operations Manager
BA-qualified sound engineer turned funeral director. Oversees daily operations and client arrangements. Brings technical precision to service coordination while maintaining family business ethos.
Bobby Russell
Funeral Operative
Retired Royal Mail worker with meticulous attention to detail. Ensures fleet maintenance and coffin preparation meet exacting standards. Local football community figure known for youth team contributions.
Susan Russell
Funeral Arranger
Darvel native with retail and banking customer service background. Handles administrative duties and local funeral arrangements. Provides community-specific knowledge to support bereaved families.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We operate from Kilmarnock, Stewarton, Galston, and Darvel, covering all of East Ayrshire and surrounding regions.
Do you offer 24-hour service?
Yes, our team is available 24/7 for immediate assistance with funeral arrangements and emergency requirements.
Can I pre-plan a funeral?
We offer Golden Charter funeral plans that allow pre-arrangement and payment with protection against future price increases.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our directors hold national funeral directing qualifications, with additional expertise in psychology and sound production for ceremony coordination.
Are third-party costs included?
Our plans include funeral director fees with fixed pricing. Cremation/burial fees and officiant charges are separate third-party costs.
How are payments protected?
Pre-paid plans are held in the Golden Charter Trust, independently managed to ensure future service delivery.
Reviews (1)
Jamie McGuire
Jun 06, 2017
Report
Very professional service and also attentive to any requests or needs. Would highly recommend their services.
