Donald Mc Larendonaldmclarenltd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/McLare...In May 1956 Donald McLaren purchased William D. Patersons Ltd Funeral Directors in Callon Street Airdrie.

Family Funeral Directors & Monumental Sculptors

DonaldMcLaren ltd

-EST 1912-

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Arranging the funeral of a loved one can be an overwhelming and emotional task. Our fully qualified,

professional staff are here to support you every step of the way

When choosing a memorial headstone or lair marker there are a number of things to be taken into account from regulatory issues to

maintaining the memorial itself. Our experienced staff will help you choose a fitting tribute for your loved one

It’s not easy to think about planning for your own funeral but taking a little time now can give you great

peace of mind, ensuring that you can have the funeral you want without placing a burden on your loved ones

Arranging a Funeral

Pre-paid Funeral plans

headstones & memorials

Our History ................................................ 4Our Directors .............................................. 6Our Management Team ................................... 7

Arranging a FuneralWhen Someone Dies ....................................10Registration Procedure ..................................11Care of Deceased .........................................12Burial .......................................................12Cremation .................................................13Our Funeral Homes ......................................14Service Rooms ............................................16Funeral Vehicles ...........................................20Funeral Costs..............................................24

Pre-Paid PlansPerfect Choice Plan ......................................26Cost of a Pre-paid Plan ..................................28Frequently Asked Questions ............................30

Headstones and MemorialsPurchasing a Memorial ................................. 34New and Additional Inscriptions ...................... 36

Accreditations and Associations .........................38Contact Details ............................................39

Airdrie Office10 Adam Avenue, ML6 6DNTel: (01236) 762000 (24 hrs)

Coatbridge Office45 Sunnyside Rd, ML5 3DGTel: (01236) 424132 (24 hrs)See page 39 for more details

In November 1912 my grandfather, Donald McLaren, conducted his first funeral. Over a century has passed since then and whilst a lot has changed in our community, the company he founded remains a trusted family owned business dedicated to the same traditional values of providing the highest standard of personal, professional funeral service at an affordable and honest price.

This brochure is intended to answer some preliminary questions you may have and provide information on some of the practical aspects of arranging a funeral, however our fully qualified staff are available 24 hours a day to personally guide you through the whole process.

Donald McLaren, Chairman

54Our Founder, Mr Donald McLaren 5 Main Street, Coatbridge

Donald McLaren founded the company in November 1912 just before World War I when he purchased “The Royal Stables” from Munro Funeral Directors located at 5 Main Street, Coatbridge. Many families still recall when our office was located “up the close at the fountain”.

Donald’s two sons joined their father in the business, Donald Alexander in 1927 and Angus in 1928. Through their dedication to customer service the company prospered and in 1945 Donald McLaren purchased Thomas W. Grier Funeral Undertaking and Hiring Business based in Stirling Street and Chapel Street, Airdrie. Included in the sale was a fleet of vehicles and a store of motor accessories. The premises were used solely for making funeral arrangements.

In May 1956 Donald McLaren purchased William D. Patersons Ltd Funeral Directors in Callon Street Airdrie. When Donald McLaren bought this Carriage Hire business he closed the Stirling Street premises. Services offered to clients included complete funeral arrangements, hire of funeral cars, wedding cars and taxis.

In 1958 Donald McLaren retired aged 91 and he died three years later. In 1961 the present Chairman Donald Ian McLaren (Ian) joined his father and uncle in the family business further enhancing dedication to customer service. In 1963 Donald McLaren Ltd Airdrie moved to

new purpose built premises at Hallcraig Street. This was the first custom built funeral home in Scotland.

In 1972 Donald Alexander McLaren retired at the age of 70, followed by his brother Angus in 1974. Ian bought his uncle’s shares in the business and became the sole owner in 1975.

The Coatbridge premises were proving to be no longer suitable for the expanding business and the company moved to a new purpose built funeral home at 45 Sunnyside Road in 1978. The company continued to prosper and various extensions were added to the premises which included a state of the art mortuary facility, beautifully appointed funeral arrangement offices and rest rooms, a service room with seating for 150 people, a church organ and PA audio system to allow favourite pieces of music to be played and private car parking for 55 cars including disabled parking.

Ian McLaren semi-retired in 1998 but remains actively involved in the business in his role as Company Chairman. Since 1998 the Managing Director, Charles Flannigan and Ian’s daughter Carol who is the Company Secretary have been responsible for the running of the business. In 2011 Ian’s youngest daughter Julie joined the company and is responsible for the management of our Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans.

Our HistoryIn 2010 as a result of high demand from our clients Donald McLaren Ltd diversified into monumental masonry and built a beautiful indoor memorial showroom in Coatbridge allowing our clients to choose from a vast selection of top quality granite and marble memorials.

We are members of the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) and our highly skilled sculptors are fully licensed and accredited by The British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) ensuring our clients receive only guaranteed top quality fitted memorials.

In September 2016 Donald McLaren Ltd Airdrie made a substantial investment when we moved premises from Hallcraig Street to 10 Adam Avenue, Airdrie. We excavated the site and built a modern new funeral home in a private secluded site (the site of the old Adam Avenue GP Practice).

The new funeral home offers private secure car parking for 70 cars, including 5 disabled spaces with disabled access to all parts of the funeral home, a beautifully designed modern service room providing seating for 230 people with an additional overflow room for extra large funerals, a church organ and a professionally designed audio system to allow favourite pieces of music to be played with crystal clear acoustics, three peaceful private rest rooms with fresh flowers where family and friends

can pay their respects, three spacious well appointed funeral arrangement offices and service room seating 55 people to accommodate smaller or more private funeral services.

The company has grown from its humble origins in 1912 and we are now one of the largest Independent Family Funeral Directors and Monumental Sculptors in the United Kingdom. Our facilities and services are truly unrivalled offering our clients two modern custom-built funeral homes with all related professional services, a large fleet of three modern Mercedes Benz hearses and five limousines, including three exclusive Mercedes Benz S-Class limousines (we are the only UK funeral Director to own S Class Mercedes Limousines). We continue to reinvest in our funeral fleet and have recently taken delivery of two brand new E-Class Mercedes Limousines.

We are very proud to create employment for 34 professional, qualified staff who all live locally and understand the needs of the communities we serve.

Donald McLaren Ltd will always uphold the traditions of over four generations of the McLaren family and we promise our clients a sympathetic, professional and personal funeral service at a realistic and affordable price.

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D. Ian McLarenCompany Chairman

Charles FlanniganManaging Director

Mr Flannigan entered the funeral profession in 1976 and has been with Donald McLaren

Ltd since 1992. He holds Diplomas in Business Management, Funeral Directing,

Embalming and is a licensed member of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.

Mr Flannigan engages with Government Ministers and Funeral Trade Associations to champion consumer rights to protect

bereaved families from misleading advertising and ensures the highest

professional standards are maintained at an affordable price.

Donald Ian McLaren (Ian) joined his father, uncle and grandfather in the

family business in 1961 and helped build the company from its humble origins to become one of the largest independent

funeral directors in the United Kingdom.

Mr McLaren retired in 2018, however is still involved in the business.

Brian joined Donald McLaren Ltd in 1995 and is a qualified Funeral Director/Embalmer. Brian holds a CMI Diploma in

Management.

Brian was born, raised and lives locally. His knowledge, experience and commitment to the funeral profession

ensure our clients receive an exceptional standard of personal service.

Mark joined Donald McLaren Ltd in 2000 and is a qualified Funeral

Director.

Mark was born, raised and still resides locally with his family. Mark uses his financial background and customer care skills to ensure clients receive a

first class service.

Andrew entered the funeral profession in 1995 and wishing to enhance his career he joined Donald McLaren

Ltd in 2000. He is a qualified Funeral Director/Embalmer.

Andrew lives locally with his family and is involved in many local

community activities which he and his family thoroughly enjoy. He thrives

on being a dedicated funeral director helping bereaved families overcome

their loss.

Steven entered the funeral profession in 1994 and joined Donald McLaren

Ltd in 2001 as qualified Funeral Director/Embalmer.

Steven and his family live locally and enjoy being part of the community.

Steven prides himself on his dedication and ensures he provides the highest

quality of service to our clients.

Julie McLarenDirector

Julie is Ian’s daughter and has been with the company since 2011. She is the

fourth generation of the McLaren family to work for the company.

Julie has a postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and is responsible for managing our 34 staff.

Julie also has a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration and is

responsible for our pre- arranged funeral plans.

Carol KerrCompany Secretary & Director

Carol is Ian’s daughter and has been with the company since 1992. She is the fourth generation of the McLaren family to join

the business.

Carol is the Company Secretary and is responsible for controlling the financial interests of the business and ensuring

compliance with all relevant regulations.

Our Directors

Brian ParrBranch Manager

Steven CraigBranch Manager

Andrew LyttelSenior Funeral Director

Mark CassidySenior Funeral Director

Our Management Team

Our Airdrie Premises, built in 2016

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When Someone DiesWhen a relative or friend dies it comes as a great shock, even if the death is expected. Nothing prepares you for the emotions you will experience after losing someone close to you. It’s at this time the professional guidance and advice you receive is crucial.

We consider it a privilege to be your chosen funeral director knowing the quality of our service and level of care will help you through this difficult time. Donald McLaren Ltd employs a dedicated team of qualified professional funeral directors to provide a personal service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No matter where or when the death has occurred our qualified professionals will guide you through every step.

On initial contact we will ask:

1. Name, address, telephone number and relationship of the caller to the deceased;

2. Name, address, telephone number of the deceased;3. Place of death – at home, hospital, nursing home or elsewhere;4. Has the next of kin been advised when the death certificate will be

available for collection;5. Has a decision been reached as to whether the funeral is to be burial

or cremation;6. What type of funeral service is required i.e. Church Service, Funeral

Directors Service Room, the family home or elsewhere.

It is always advisable to contact the funeral director for up-to-date professional advice and guidance. Our funeral director will then make all the necessary funeral arrangements on your behalf either in the comfort of your own home or at one of our comfortable offices.

Death at homeIf the death was expected and during surgery hours, it would be normal to inform the deceased’s doctor who would then attend to certify the death. The doctor will usually advise the relatives when to collect the death certificate from the surgery.

When a person dies suddenly at home outwith surgery hours, it will most likely be paramedics who will attend if you have phoned emergency services. The paramedics will usually contact the police who will call at the home and speak to the next of kin. In some circumstances, the death may require consideration by the Procurator Fiscal. There are many reasons this may be required and may cause some delay before arrangements can be confirmed. Our funeral directors are fully conversant with Procurator Fiscal procedures and will guide you through this process.

Death at hospitalUnless the relatives are present when death occurs, they will be notified by the nursing staff as soon as possible. Nursing staff or the hospital doctor will usually provide initial guidance regarding the death certificate. It is advisable to then contact our funeral directors as soon as possible for practical advice and to arrange to call at your preferred funeral office to discuss arrangements. Alternatively the funeral director can call at the family home.

Death abroadWhen a death occurs abroad or a distance away within the UK, our qualified funeral director will provide your family with appropriate advice and undertake the necessary arrangements on your behalf, including repatriation of the deceased.

Registration ProcedureAlmost all registration offices now require you to make an appointment prior to attending to register a death. You must provide the registrar with the serial number on the upper right hand corner of the Death Certificate, to ensure the death has not been selected for a Medical Review (see details below).

In Scotland a death can be registered in any Registrar area office of Births, Marriages and Deaths and is normally registered by a relative, executor, legal representative or any other person possessing the information required by the registrar. All deaths must be registered before a burial or cremation can take place. The death must be registered within eight days of the death, but it is desirable to do so as soon as possible. If the death is referred to the Procurator Fiscal our funeral director will advise on the appropriate registration procedures.

What should you take with you?1. Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (Death Certificate);2. The deceased’s Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate, if appropriate;3. N.H.S. Medical Card (if available);4. Any Pension Books or documents relating to the receipt of a pension or

allowance from government funds;5. Names of any Insurance Companies.

The registrar will issue:1. A Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14);2. Abbreviated extract of the death entry.3. Full Extracts for Insurance Companies, Banks, etc. (A charge is made per

extract).4. A Social Security registration or notification of death certificate for use in

obtaining or adjusting Social Security benefits. This should be handed in to the local job centre. Please note, when you take this form to the job centre, you should advise them if you intend to make a funeral costs claim from the DWP social fund department.

Medical ReviewFollowing the introduction of new legislation in Scotland on 13 May 2015, Healthcare Improvement Scotland now reviews a random 10 per cent of Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCD’s), excluding those deaths reported to the Procurator Fiscal and Stillbirths.

If the death you are registering is selected for review you may not immediately be able to complete the death registration. These reviews are designed to check the quality and accuracy of death certificates and to improve how this information is recorded.

You can still make initial funeral arrangements while the review is under way, however, the funeral itself cannot take place until the review is completed.

If you need the funeral to go ahead quickly, in special circumstances you may be granted advance registration. Special circumstances include:• religious/cultural (such as faith requirements to bury a person quickly);• compassionate (where delays would cause significant and unnecessary

distress); and• practical/administrative (for example, family have travelled from

abroad to attend the funeral)

Our funeral director will explain the review process, timescales and the circumstances in which you can apply for advance registration.

When you register a death we recommend you take advantage of the “Tell it Once” scheme, where you will be able to tell the authorities just once about your change of circumstances. They will notify local and government agencies on your behalf, saving you time and effort.

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Care Of The DeceasedCaring for your loved one is the most important area of responsibility you entrust us with. We promise we will treat your loved one with the highest level of dignity and respect. We take great pride in the quality of our modern mortuary facilities and employ a team of fully qualified professional embalmers for this specialised area of service.

Whether a death occurs at home or in hospital, we strongly advise your loved one is removed to our funeral home for embalming. For presentation and hygiene, embalming is in your loved ones best interest is in the best interests of the person who has passed away and family and friends paying their respects.

Your loved one can be taken home or can remain in one of our beautifully appointed rest rooms.

We can dress and prepare your loved one for viewing either in their own clothes or we can supply one of our quality robes.

CremationAs of May 2015 Medical Examiners have replaced the role of the medical referee and the two doctors completing the statutory cremation forms B and C in Scotland.

You should decide which crematorium you wish to use. Our funeral director will advise on the rules, regulations, costs and services pertaining to your chosen crematorium.

Cremated RemainsThis is a personal choice for each family and thought must be given prior to the cremation taking place. Choices include:

1. Interred or scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.2. Scattered at a favourite place of the deceased or family.3. Interred in a cemetery or private piece of ground.4. Keep the cremated remains at home.5. Retained by the funeral director until a decision is made.

We will advise the services provided by each crematorium, such as books of remembrance, plaques, rose bushes, etc. If the cremated remains are to be transported abroad (or within the UK) it is advisable to allow us to arrange this on your behalf.

North Lanarkshire Council continue to increase their prices for burial in any of their cemeteries at a rate significantly in excess of inflation*. These costs are unfortunately beyond our control. In North Lanarkshire new lairs cannot be pre-purchased and can only be purchased at the time of need

If the funeral is to be a burial we will need to know the name of the cemetery and the name and address of the person who is to be the lair owner. If there is an existing lair, we will require the original lair certificate. If the lair certificate is lost, we will require the name of the cemetery, the name(s) of those interred and their date of death, if known.

Our funeral director will advise on the regulations pertaining to burial or scattering of cremated remains and the costs involved.

New lairs in Coatbridge can only be purchased in Coltswood Cemetery. New lairs in Airdrie can only be purchased in New Monkland Cemetery, Glenmavis.

*39% increase in 2016, 9% increase in 2018

Burial

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We offer a large selection of cremation urns and matching

Keepsake urns to share with family. Many of our urns can be personalised with text and custom designs.

Our Funeral Homes

As the oldest family business in Airdrie and Coatbridge, we think it is important to invest in the communities we serve to provide the highest level of service at an affordable and competitive price. We are proud to offer two custom built and unrivalled modern funeral homes in Airdrie and Coatbridge.

Whilst both our funeral homes are centrally positioned in Airdrie and Coatbridge town centres, they are located in spacious private grounds providing you, your family and friends with privacy and dignity at this sensitive time.

Both our funeral homes offer:• Funeral premises unrivalled anywhere in Scotland.• Substantial private secure car parking, including disabled

spaces, with disabled access to all parts of the funeral homes.• Well appointed, private rest rooms for family and friends to

pay their respects. We provide fresh flowers for all our rest rooms.

• Respectful funeral arrangement offices to privately discuss you and your families funeral requirements.

We also provide state of the art mortuary facilities, ensuring your loved one is cared for locally with the utmost dignity and respect at all times.

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Service Rooms

Our Airdrie Service Room 16 17Our Smaller Airdrie Service Room

We believe every funeral is unique and offer facilities to accommodate your particular funeral requirements, religious or otherwise.

Both our funeral homes have beautifully designed, large service rooms providing comfortable seating for 230 in Airdrie, and 150 in Coatbridge (pages 18 and 19). Both our service rooms have standing areas to accommodate extra large funerals. We provide an organ and organist for hymns and a state of the art PA system for personal music to be played. Our service rooms can also be used for an evening service or a Roman Catholic rosary.

In our Airdrie funeral home, we now also offer a more intimate service room providing comfortable seating for 40 people (right). Our smaller service room has many benefits and can be used for:• A private family funeral service, or a funeral service

with less people attending. • An evening service or a Roman Catholic rosary. • An area where family and friends can gather to

pay their respects prior to leaving for a service at the Cemetery or Crematorium on the day of the funeral.

• A waiting room should mourners arrive early for a funeral service in our larger service room

• A large viewing room facility allowing larger families to gather together to pay their respects in comfort.

1918Our Airdrie Service Room Our Coatbridge Service Room

We are proud of our funeral fleet of Mercedes Benz Hearses and Limousines. We are the first and only funeral director in the United Kingdom to offer three S-Class Mercedes Benz limousines combining a stylish and elegant refined exterior with first class levels of luxury and prestige inside. We continue to reinvest in our funeral fleet and have recently taken delivery of two brand new E-Class Mercedes Limousines.

Our funeral fleet is maintained to the highest standards and each vehicle has a full time professional chauffeur and private registration plate.

Our funeral director will explain the various cortège and funeral procession traditions as well as advising on other options available (for example, horse drawn hearse etc.) and we will ensure the funeral cortège is tailored exactly to your requirements.

Traditionally the Hearse will convey your loved one to their final resting place, followed by the limousine(s) carrying family and friends. You should take time to consider the number of limousines required for the funeral. Each limousine is able to carry up to seven passengers. Our funeral director will explain local clergy/officiant preferences for travelling in the limousine.

Our Fleet

elegant and refined exteriorbeautifully appointed interior“

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Funeral CostsWe always confirm all funeral arrangements in writing and provide a full itemised estimate of the costs in advance of the funeral taking place. The funeral costs will vary depending on the particular services required. The enclosed leaflet sets out examples of costs for different levels of funeral service. Our funeral director will ensure the funeral is tailored exactly to your requirements ensuring you only pay for the services you require.The funeral account is divided into two parts:• Fees due to Donald McLaren Ltd for the services we provide. • Fees due to third parties, called disbursements, such as cemetery and

crematorium costs which we pay on your behalf.

Professional Services and AttendanceThe funeral directors charges will include professional services and attendance, which contribute to paying the overhead costs of the business. This includes overseeing the complexities of the funeral arrangements, arranging the necessary documentation, the funeral directors personal attendance throughout until the funeral has been carried out, the provision of 24-hour personal service by qualified professional staff 365 days a year, provision of two quality funeral homes providing all related facilities and prestige Mercedes vehicles to ensure the highest standards of service are provided.

DisbursementsDisbursements are essentially fees that we pay to third parties on your behalf. These disbursements fall into two categories:

Necessary Disbursements - These include cemetery fees for the purchase and opening of a lair, and fees payable to the crematorium.

Optional Disbursements - These include floral tributes, catering, obituary notices, church fees etc. The funeral director will advise on our company policy pertaining to optional disbursements.

Respectful Funeral ServiceThe Respectful Funeral Service is designed for clients who have no wish for the services provided in a traditional funeral service and would prefer a more simple service. You will receive the same high level of care and support from our professional staff.

The Respectful Funeral Service includes the following:

1. Our professional services.2. Attending to all necessary arrangements.3. Provision of necessary staff.4. A respectful but simple coffin suitable for cremation or burial.5. Conveyance of the deceased to our mortuary during normal working

hours (9am - 4.30pm, within ten miles).6. Care of the deceased in our mortuary for up to 7 days prior to the

funeral.7. Provision of a hearse direct to the nearest crematorium or cemetery

(within 10 miles) on a date and time provided by our funeral director.8. Funeral costs must be paid in advance.

In particular, the Respectful Funeral Service does not include the following:-

1. Embalming2. Viewing in our rest rooms3. Use of our service room for an evening service or Rosary4. Use of our service room for a funeral service5. Conveyance of deceased to a home address6. Conveyance of deceased to a Church7. Provision of a limousine8. Choice of superior quality coffins9. Any fees or disbursements payable on your behalf

It is important that the person responsible for paying the funeral account enquires into the availability of funds from the deceased’s estate to ensure the total costs of the funeral ordered can be paid in full. The person who instructs us during the arrangement of the funeral and who signs our terms and conditions is responsible for the payment of the funeral account.

Our final account will be sent to you 7 days after the funeral has taken place. We respectfully request you arrange settlement of our account as soon as possible within 30 days of the invoice date. Accounts being settled by Solicitors will not benefit from any discounted professional services charge, unless the account is settled within 30 days. Payment by solicitors dealing with the deceased’s estate can take considerable time and our funeral director will advise you of our terms and conditions regarding accounts being settled by solicitors.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) AssistanceThe rules and regulations regarding the eligibility criteria in respect of claims from The Social Fund for assistance with funeral costs regularly change.

Our funeral director will discuss eligibility criteria at the time of making the funeral arrangements having regard to the financial circumstances of the deceased and their immediate family.

It is important you are fully aware prior to agreeing to proceed with taking responsibility for paying our account you can afford to do so in the event your claim fails. The grant received will not cover the full cost of the funeral.

Further information can be obtained by contacting your local Jobcentre Plus office or visiting the Department for Work and Pensions website.

Paying for the funeral

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Pre-arrange your funeral with

Donald McLaren LtdThere are many reasons why people choose to take out a pre-arranged funeral plan. Often it is because of concerns about leaving family with the worry of arranging a funeral at an already stressful time or the worry of leaving a financial strain on loved ones. By taking care of arrangements now, you can relax knowing that your

affairs are in order.

Our funeral plans are personally arranged by Charles Flannigan (Managing Director) who has over 43 years practical experience arranging funerals, and Julie McLaren who has over 7 years experience. You can therefore be assured you are in safe hands. Ian’s youngest daughter, Julie, oversees the administration of our funeral plans and ensures all relevant regulations are strictly adhered to for your peace of mind. Pre-planning a funeral is the largest change within our company in the last 10 years and now accounts for one third of our future business.

We are privileged to have supported local families and our communities for over 106 years. We provide a sympathetic, professional and personal funeral service at a realistic and affordable price. We pride ourselves on giving your family the highest level of care and support, which is why so many families have stayed loyal across the generations. Before finalising your funeral plan, you will receive full information about the services covered and full details about how the plan works.

This advice is given honestly without any obligation or pressure.

We will discuss all the practicalities of the funeral arrangement with you ensuring everything is customised to your individual requirements guaranteeing you only pay for the funeral services you and your family will eventually require.

Think about the way you would like to be remembered. You may wish to take a little time to discuss it with your family and friends; chatting things over with your loved ones often makes everything easier and also ensures they know your wishes. We will then guide you through every step of pre-arranging your funeral. We are experienced in all local regulations and customs pertaining to hospitals, doctors and other funeral related requirements.

Below are some questions to think about and discuss with your family in order to allow us to arrange your bespoke funeral plan:

1. Do you wish to be buried or cremated?2. Which cemetery or crematorium?3. Is there an existing lair or is it a new lair?4. If an existing lair, who has the title deeds?5. What is to happen to the cremated remains?6. Location of funeral service? i.e. our service room; church service; or

crematorium only7. Do you wish to rest at home or stay in one of our beautifully appointed

private rest rooms?8. Do you wish for family and friends to pay their respects with an open

coffin for viewing?9. How do you wish to be dressed? (for example: own clothes or our

traditional robe)10. How many family limousines will be required?11. How would you like to personalise your funeral? (for example: songs,

readings, donations etc.)

The First Step

Many clients choose to confirm their funeral arrangements to be held on file. Your wishes are discussed, guidance is given and your instructions are then confirmed. This for many people, particularly those with no family members remaining, very often brings great peace of mind, simply by knowing that they will be looked after when the time comes.

It should be noted that this service has no financial benefit to you, as no payment in advance has been made but provides peace of mind knowing your funeral wishes will be relayed to your next of kin and undertaken at the time of need.

Funeral Wishes

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A funeral plan purchased from Donald McLaren Ltd is charged at today’s prices. When the funeral plan is in place, and provided we carry out the funeral, there will be no additional costs to Donald McLaren Ltd’s services except in the following circumstances:

1. Saturday or Public Holiday funeral:- In the event of the funeral taking place on a Saturday or Public Holiday, additional staff overtime charges will apply;

2. Death more than 20 miles away:- Should the death of the Plan Beneficiary take place more than 20 miles from our office, additional costs for the removal will apply (unless covered by holiday insurance);

3. Additional Services:- Your family can arrange and pay for additional services not included in your plan at the time of need;

4. Third Party Costs:- These are the costs we pay on your behalf to external providers including crematorium or burial charges. Cemetery and crematorium fees are rising rapidly and Donald McLaren Ltd have no control over these third party costs. We simply advise you of today’s costs and you can pay as much or as little as you like and your family will pay any shortfall at the time of need;

5. Optional Disbursements:- We cannot guarantee or predict changing customs, prices, availability and the future standards of outside agencies e.g. catering, florists, obituary notices etc. We recommend that all optional disbursements are arranged and paid for at the time of need by the next of kin, however a lump sum can be added to the plan to contribute to these costs if desired.

Cost of a Funeral Plan Security for Your MoneyThe money paid for your funeral plan is managed by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd which is part of the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group. Ecclesiastical is a specialist, UK-based financial services group which has been protecting people, property and funds since 1887. For maximum security and your peace of mind, funds are held by a fully-regulated, UK-based life assurance company.

Every penny of the full value of the funeral plan (excluding the initial management fee) is held securely in a whole of life assurance policy and is ring-fenced for your funeral. The money is made immediately available to us and the funds cannot be used for anything other than your funeral.

Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd is regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) and adheres to its code of practice and high professional standards. In addition, Donald McLaren Ltd is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) who have a strict code of practice which gives you complete peace of mind. For over one hundred years the NAFD has been dedicated to maintaining the highest of standards throughout the funeral profession to ensure bereaved families receive the advice and support they deserve.

To purchase a funeral plan with Donald McLaren Ltd simply contact any of our offices to discuss your thoughts with one of our professional funeral directors who will ask some initial questions, make some helpful suggestions and provide details of the costs involved. If preferred, we can arrange a home visit to discuss your requirements.

When your funeral plan is complete we will send the completed Application Form to Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd. On receipt of this paperwork you will receive a Certificate of Entitlement, together with confirmation that you are a Donald McLaren Ltd Plan Holder. At the time of need we will simply request this Certificate of Entitlement from your next of kin.

Our Chairman, Mr McLaren explains: “The funeral planning industry, especially the intense marketing for pre-paid funeral plans, is big business nowadays. Funeral plan sales can come from financial advisers, will writers or more commonly by large funeral planning companies rather than qualified professional funeral directors. We are well aware of families paying considerably more for pre-paid funeral ‘packages’ sold by large funeral planning companies. Many companies selling funeral plans cold call potential clients (some very elderly and vulnerable), post flyers through mail drops and use many other direct marketing strategies. Funeral packages which are not bespoke may not include some funeral services the family will eventually require. The sales and marketing staff directly employed by the funeral planning companies are not funeral directors and their sales agents are often only able to sell you a “package” funeral plan. They are unable to give professional local funeral advice tailored exactly to your requirements and charge accordingly.”

We have also been made aware of local families who have purchased a funeral plan directly from a funeral planning company only to discover when the funeral is eventually required they are unable to use the services of Donald McLaren Ltd despite being promised by the sales agent at the time they could. This leads to further distress, disappointment and in some cases unexpected costs for services not paid for at the time but are now required.

We are very proud to offer our own bespoke pre-paid funeral plan with absolutely no sales or marketing pressure from a large funeral planning company. The funds for your funeral plan are managed by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd who have absolutely no control over our company. They do not pressure us to sell funeral plans and do not influence the professional funeral advice we provide. UK Legislation does not allow pre-paid funeral plan funds to go directly into the funeral directors bank account.

Peace of mind

Protection from rising costs

The only way to ensure your funeral is carried out by Donald McLaren Funeral Directors

Guaranteed acceptance - no upper age limit and no medical questions

Bespoke, personal plan arranged with a qualified funeral director

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Frequently Asked Questions

“Will there be any more costs at the time?”Costs for a Donald McLaren Ltd Funeral Plan are charged at today’s prices and guarantees once a funeral plan has been purchased there will be no additional funeral directors costs except those previously explained under “Costs of a funeral plan” (page 28).

“Can my family change the arrangements at the time of the funeral?”

Yes. If your family decide they would like additional services, for example, an extra limousine your family will just pay for the additional service at the time. Please note that additional services taken by the family at the time will be charged at future prices.

“What if I move?”You can transfer your funeral plan to an accredited funeral director near your new home. Please note when transferring to another funeral director there may be additional costs to be paid as local authorities and other funeral directors prices vary throughout the UK. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for full details.

“What happens if I die abroad?”The funeral plan does not cover the cost of a funeral abroad, or the cost of repatriating the deceased. It is therefore important that your travel insurance policy adequately covers this eventuality.

“Can I buy a Plan for someone else?” Yes. Many people buy a plan for elderly relatives, friends or people in care.

“What happens to my money if Donald McLaren Ltd cease trading?”

A Funeral Plan from Donald McLaren Ltd gives you exceptional financial security for your money. Every penny of the full value of the funeral plan (excluding the initial management fee) is invested in a whole of life assurance policy and ring-fenced to pay for your funeral. The funds are held in a Perfect Choice Funeral Plan, provided by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited.

Perfect Choice Funeral Plan funds are held in guaranteed whole of life assurance policies with a life assurance company that is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Funeral plans themselves are not regulated by the PRA or FCA but are regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority.

Ecclesiastical Planning Services is registered with the Funeral Planning Authority, who exist to help protect consumers’ interests within the UK Funeral Planning sector and delivery of your funeral is regulated by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) Code of Practice. Perfect Choice Funeral Plans are recommended by the NAFD

This ensures that, no matter what happens to Donald McLaren Ltd, your funeral plan funds are safe and secure.

“Can I pay the Plan up in instalments?”Yes. You are able to pay over 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months (1-5 years). Please note there is an additional cost for paying over 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. In the event you pass away before the full balance is paid the money you have paid into the plan will be used as a contribution towards your funeral. The remaining unpaid balance will be paid by your executor/next of kin at the time.

“Can I make changes to the plan later or cancel it?”Yes. If you decide you need an extra limousine, a different robe, or even a different committal you can contact us at any time to amend your plan and pay the additional costs for the amendments (if required). If you decide to cancel the plan after 30 days from the date of purchase you will receive a full refund, less the initial management fee.

“I have read an advert that I can take a plan out with another funeral plan provider and at the time of need my family will be able to choose Donald McLaren Ltd, is this true?”Absolutely not. Donald McLaren Ltd is a privately owned business and is not part of a larger corporate structure, nor do we employ agencies or any other funeral planning company to act on our behalf. The only way to ensure Donald McLaren Ltd carry out the funeral is to contact us directly.

“Can anyone apply?”Anyone aged over 18 years of age can apply. There is no upper age limit and no medical or health questions to answer.

We are proud to be affiliated with St Andrew’s Hospice, Lanarkshire’s only specialist hospice providing free of charge palliative care services to patients from across Lanarkshire with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

In 2012/13 they had 371 inpatient admissions, 1368 day hospice attendances, provided bereavement counselling for 171 people, and supported 40 children affected by loss in their lives.

Donald McLaren Ltd make a donation to St Andrew’s Hospice for every Pre-paid funeral plan purchased. To date we have donated over £25,000.

St Andrew’s Hospice is a Charity Registered in Scotland SC010159Henderson Street, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, ML6 6DJ

There are a number of questions we are asked regularly by clients arranging a funeral plan with Donald McLaren Ltd. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.

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MaterialSerious consideration should be given to the quality and the durability of the material from which the memorial is created. Granite is a hard material and can be exposed to the weather for generations without losing it’s intrinsic beauty or suffering from any adverse effects.We use the highest quality granite from specially selected suppliers. It is not uncommon for other sculptors to use inferior quality material at cheaper prices, however such material may not maintain its shine and colour and will fade after a number of years, particularly when exposed to the Scottish weather.

LocationWhen considering which material to choose, you should consider where your memorial is going to be. If the lair is surrounded by trees or shrubs marble may become stained. Granite is non-pourus and low maintenance. Our staff can advise you on the best materials for your memorial.

RegulationsThere are a number of regulations specific to each crematorium, churchyard and cemetery which govern the size and type of your memorial and the permissible wording on the stone. We have close relationships with all local authorities and can advise you of all the relevant requirements and assist you with any required paper work.

LetteringSome materials will suit certain types of lettering more than others. For example, lead lettering should only be used for marble memorials and gilded lettering looks best on polished granite.We offer a wide range of fonts and lettering styles for you to choose from. If there a specific font you would like please give us the name or a picture of the font and we will do our best to match it. If you already have an inscription on a stone and would us like to add to this we are able to take a ‘rubbing’ of the original inscription to ensure the font, letter size and spacing all match.

WordingThe wording you choose is just as important as the stone itself. Very often many members of the family may have their own ideas and all want to have their input. Our staff will more than likely have met your family during arrangements or at the funeral and will be able advise on how best to pull these ideas together to create a fitting inscription.You should also consider how future inscriptions will fit onto the memorial. Our staff have the experience to help ensure your inscription reads now, and in the future. Our staff can advise you on a number of traditional inscription styles and poems. Please see our New and Additional Inscriptions section for more details.

Purchasing a Memorial

For bespoke memorials, please contact our office to speak with our experienced memorial consultant, Miss Amanda Ross

Ask our staff for a copy of our Memorial brochure or view our website to see our range of headstones, grave markers and vases

Family Funeral Directors & Monumental Sculptors

DonaldMcLaren ltd

-EST 1912-

Memorial Collection

OrnamentationOur memorials can be customised to fully encapsulate your feelings and special sentiments. There are a number of options for personalising your memorial and the best technique to use depends on the effect you are trying to achieve.We provide a detailed print out of all ornamentation and inscriptions on a scale drawing of your memorial to help you visualise the final layout and make alterations where appropriate. An official badge or a family crest can be translated into a memorial design and our memorial consultant can advise the best technique for more intricate custom designs.

When choosing a memorial there are a number of things to be taken into account, from regulatory issues to maintaining the memorial itself. Our experienced staff will provide help and support to ensure you create a fitting tribute for your loved one. Before proceeding with any memorial we will provide you with a no obligation estimate and a scale computer generated print so you can clearly visualise how your memorial will look.

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New and Additional Inscriptions

It can be hard to find the right words to express how you feel and what someone meant to you. The following guide is intended to assist you create a traditional, flowing memorial inscription. These suggestions are for guidance only. Our Memorial Design Consultant will work with you to find the most fitting words to commemorate your loved one.

1. How Many Names are expected be on the stone?This is a key consideration as it will determine the size of headstone you need. You should consider now who else will likely be interred in the same lair at a later date. To help you choose the right size of stone, our Memorial Design Consultant will provide you with a scale print out of your memorial with the inscription showing how much free space will be left on the stone.

2. Opening Remembrance MessageThis is the first line of your inscription. Popular choices include

“IN LOVING MEMORY OF”“PRECIOUS MEMORY OF”

“CHERISED MEMORIES OF”“WE REMEMBER WITH LOVE”“WITH LOVE WE REMEMBER“

“IN LOVE WE REMEMBER”“TREASURED MEMORIES OF”

“IN MEMORY OF”“IN EVER LOVING MEMORY OF”

“IN REMEMBRANCE OF”“IN EVERLASTING MEMORY OF”

“FOND MEMORIES OF”

“PRECIOUS ARE THE MEMORIES OF”“IN GODS KEEPING”

“LOVING MEMORIES OF”“TO THE MEMORY OF”

“A TRIBUTE OF LOVE TO”“REMEMBERED WITH LOVE”

“MEMORIES OF”“TO THE DEAR MEMORY OF”

“HAVE MERCY ON THE SOUL OF”“PRAY FOR”

“PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF”“SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF”

3. Personal DetailsTraditionally the details of those interred would be inscribed in chronological order. Typically the stone would mention the person’s name date of death and either their age or date of birth. Below are 4 traditional layouts:

JOHN H.BROWNDIED 29th MARCH 2002

AGED 82 YEARS

JOHN BROWN1919 - 2002

JOHN BROWNBORN 6th SEPTEMBER 1919

DIED 29th MARCH 2002

JOHN BROWN06.09.1919 - 29.03.2002

4. EndearmentEndearments are a short expression of love and affection which reflects the way each person will be remembered and who they were to your family. Common endearments include:

Where there is more than 1 name on the headstone, endearments can be used to help the inscription flow by introducing the next name on the stone, for example:

JOHN BROWNDIED 29th MARCH 2002

DEARLY LOVED DAD AND GRANDADDEVOTED HUSBAND OF

ANNE BROWNDIED 3rd MAY 2009

A LOVING WIFE, MUM AND GRAN

5. Epitaph/VerseAn Epitaph or closing verse is traditionally used at the base of the plate to conclude the inscription. Epitaphs take on many forms and are derived from many sources including famous quotes, song lyrics, literary excerpts and verses from biblical or other religious scripture.

“REST IN PEACE”

“REQUIESCANT IN PACE”

“TOGETHER AGAIN”

“ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS”

“PEACE PERFECT PEACE”

“GOODNIGHT GOD BLESS”

“FOREVER IN OUR THOUGHTS”

“ALWAYS REMEMBERED”

“SO DEARLY LOVED SO SADLEY MISSED”

“FOREVER WITH THE LORD”

“LOVES LAST GIFT REMEMBRANCE”

“AT REST”

“THY WILL BE DONE”

“GOD IS LOVE”

“FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS”

“LOVED BY ALL”

“THOSE WE LOVE DON’T GO AWAY

THEY WALK BESIDE US EVERYDAY”

“WITHOUT FAREWELL YOU FELL ASLEEP

WITH MEMORIES FOR US ALL TO KEEP”

“A DAILY THOUGHT A SILENT TEARA CONSTANT WISH THAT YOU WERE HERE”

“GOD ONLY TAKES THE BEST ITS TRUEHE TOOK THE VERY BEST IN YOU”

“SINCERE AND TRUE IN HEART AND MINDA MEMORY SWEET YOU LEFT BEHIND”

“NEVER MORE THAN A THOUGHT AWAYLOVED AND REMEBERD EVERY DAY”

“SILENT THOUGHTS OF TIMES TOGEATHERHOLD MEMORIES WHICH WILL LAST FOREVER”

“A DAILY THOUGHT A SILENT TEARA CONSTANT WISH THAT YOU WERE HERE”

“NO TIME TO SAY OUR LAST GOODBYEBUT IN OUR HEARTS YOU WILL NEVER DIE”

“GONE ARE THE DAYS WE USED TO SHAREBUT IN MY HEART YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE”

“DEEP IN MY HEART YOU WILL ALWAYS STAYLOVED AND REMEBERED EVERY DAY”

“NO LONGER IN OUR LIVES TO SHAREBUT IN OUR HEARTS YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE”

“TREASURED MEMORIES FOREVER OF YOUTODAY TOMORROW AND ALL LIFE THROUGH”

“THOUGH YOUR ABSENT YOU ARE ALWAYS NEARSTILL LOVED STILL MISSED AND SO VERY DEAR”

“IN HEAVEN YOU REST NO WORRY NO PAINGOD BLESS YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN”

“AS YOU REST IN PEACEFUL SLEEPYOUR MEMORY I WILL ALWAYS KEEP”

“TREASURED MEMORIES LIKE A GOLDEN CHAINLINK US TILL WE MEET AGAIN”

“RESTING WHERE NO SHADOWS FALLLOVINGLY REMEMBERED BY US ALL”

“I MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAYMEMORIES OF YOU WILL ALWAYS STAY”

“Beloved Mother & Grandmother”

“Dearly loved Father& Grandfather”

“Loving Son and Husband”

“A Much Loved Daughter,Wife, & Friend”

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National Association of Funeral DirectorsThe National Association of Funeral Directors is a truly independent trade association with the broadest membership within the funeral profession, including more than 3,200 funeral homes nationwide, suppliers to the profession and overseas funeral directing businesses.

618 Warwick RoadSolihull

West MidlandsB91 1AA

Telephone: 0845 230 1343Website: www.nafd.org.uk

British Institute of EmbalmersThe British Institute of Embalmers was founded in 1927 by a group of 15 Funeral Directors who recognised the need for a separate organisation for the professional embalmer.

The Main Purposes of the institute is to promote best practice through training, guidance and certification.

Anubis House,21c Station Road,

Solihull,West Midlands

B93 0HLTelephone: 01564 778 991Website: www.bioe.co.uk

British Institute of Funeral DirectorsThe B.I.F.D was formed in 1982 by a group of highly experienced, qualified Funeral Directors to provide an organisation that cared for professionally qualified individuals working within the Funeral Industry.

The Institute’s main aim is to promote educational services within the profession.

1 Gleneagles HouseVernon Gate, South Street

DerbyDE1 1UP

Telephone: 0800 0322733Website:www.bifd.org.uk

National Association of Memorial MasonsThe National Association of Memorial Masons is an organisation dedicated to furthering the memorial masonry industry and safeguarding the interests of the bereaved through the promotion of high standards, wide choice and increased understanding in all matters relating to natural stone memorials.

1 Castle MewsRugby

WarwickshireCV21 2XL

Telephone: 01788 542276Website:www.namm.org.uk

Selected Independent Funeral HomesSelected Independent Funeral Homes is a worldwide professional association of independent, locally-owned funeral homes whose common interest is in continuous growth and improvement to best serve families and individuals.

500 Lake Cook RoadSuite 205DeerfieldIL 60015

Telephone: 1-800-323-4219Website:www.selectedfuneralhomes.org

© Donald McLaren Ltd 2018

Donald McLaren Ltd is an independent privately owned company registered in Scotland under the Companies Act 2006 having its registered office at 45 Sunnyside Road, Coatbridge, Ml5 3DG, Company Number SC189724.

All information in this brochure is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change

Airdrie Office10 Adam Avenue

AirdrieNorth Lanarkshire

ML6 6DN

Tel: (01236) 762000 (24 hrs)Fax: (01236) 747894

Office Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00 pmSaturday 8:30am - 12:30 pm

Coatbridge Office(Registered Office)

45 Sunnyside RdCoatbridge

North LanarkshireML5 3DG

Tel: (01236) 424132 (24 hrs)Fax: (01236) 426146

Office Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 9:00 pmSunday 9:00am - 9:00pm

Contact Details

[email protected]

Notes:

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Four Generations of our FamilyCaring for Yours

www.donaldmclarenltd.co.uk