Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral Services in Edinburgh
Robert Samson has been a trusted name in funeral care since 1913, rooted in a legacy of compassion and dedication. Our journey began with Robert Samson, a joiner who expanded his craft to include coffin-making and funeral services, laying the foundation for a family-run business committed to excellence. Over the decades, we evolved to meet changing needs, transitioning from joinery to specialise exclusively in funeral care by 1975. In 2015, we joined forces with William Purves, a fellow family business sharing our values of integrity and respect, to strengthen our ability to serve bereaved families. Today, our five-strong team continues to uphold these principles, offering personalised support to families in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, and beyond. We believe every funeral should reflect the uniqueness of the life being honoured, guiding families to create meaningful tributes without regret.With over a century of collective experience, we combine tradition with modern sensitivity to navigate the complexities of bereavement. Our 24/7 availability ensures families receive immediate assistance whenever needed, day or night. We prioritise transparency and empathy, taking time to understand individual wishes and alleviate the emotional burden during difficult moments. From pre-planning to immediate aftercare, our services are designed to provide comfort and clarity. As part of a larger network while retaining our local identity, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver dignified, compassionate care that honours both tradition and individuality.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Memorial Planning
Bereavement Support
Pre-Need Planning
Repatriation Services
Eco-Friendly Options
Religious Ceremonies
Non-Religious Services
Ashes Scattering
Details
- Year established: 1913
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of compassionate funeral care experience since 1913
- Family-owned business with generational expertise in bereavement support
- 24/7 availability for immediate assistance during critical moments
- Personalised funeral planning tailored to individual life stories
- Local community focus with nationwide branch network accessibility
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We create bespoke funeral ceremonies that reflect individual lives, offering comprehensive planning from venue selection to officiant coordination. Our compassionate team guides families through every decision, ensuring cultural and personal preferences are respected. With 24/7 availability, we provide immediate support during difficult times while maintaining the highest standards of dignity and care.
Memorial Planning
Our memorial services help families create lasting tributes through stone markers, scattering ceremonies, or digital memorials. We assist with location selection, inscription wording, and design choices that capture personal legacies. With expertise in traditional and contemporary options, we ensure memorials provide comfort for generations while respecting individual wishes and budget considerations.
Bereavement Support
We offer ongoing emotional support beyond funeral services through professional grief counselling and community resources. Our team provides guidance on navigating loss, connecting families with support groups, and understanding the grieving process. This service extends to schools and workplaces, helping communities process collective loss with appropriate coping strategies and compassionate understanding.
Pre-Need Planning
Our pre-planning service allows individuals to document their funeral preferences while alleviating future burdens on loved ones. We provide detailed consultations covering service type, budget parameters, and specific requests. This proactive approach ensures personal wishes are honoured while offering financial security through pre-payment options that protect against future cost increases.
Repatriation Services
We specialise in international repatriation of remains with full logistical coordination across borders. Our team handles all documentation, transportation arrangements, and compliance with destination country requirements. With established global partnerships, we ensure respectful transfers while guiding families through complex administrative processes and cultural considerations for overseas funerals.
People
Robert Samson
Founder
Established the business in 1913 as a joiner specialising in coffin-making before expanding into funeral services. His commitment to craftsmanship and compassionate care formed the company's enduring values.
David Samson
Former Managing Director
Led the company for 16 years until 2016, overseeing the transition to exclusive funeral services and initiating the strategic partnership with William Purves to ensure continued family-focused care.
Questions
What funeral service options do you offer?
We provide traditional burials, cremation services, eco-friendly options, and non-religious ceremonies. Our team helps families choose appropriate formats based on personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and budget considerations.
Can I plan a funeral in advance?
Yes, we offer comprehensive pre-need planning to document your wishes and alleviate future burdens on loved ones. This includes budget planning, service specifications, and legally binding documentation.
Do you handle international repatriation?
Yes, we manage overseas transfers of remains with complete logistical support, including documentation, transportation, and compliance with international regulations while providing compassionate family guidance.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Edinburgh, we operate throughout Scotland with branches in Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Fife, and the Scottish Borders, ensuring accessible support for families across multiple regions.
Are you available outside regular hours?
Our team is available 24/7 for immediate assistance, particularly during evenings, weekends, and holidays when urgent support is required for bereaved families.
How do you support grieving families?
Beyond funeral services, we offer grief counselling, community support group connections, and educational resources to help individuals and communities navigate the bereavement process effectively.
