John Beattie and Sons is a typical Borders business, rooted in Hawick and serving the local Roxburghshire population. Founder John Beattie started out as a joiner, manufacturing coffins from premises in Langholm in the late 1700s. By 1806, the business had become more specialised and he moved to Bourtree Terrace in Hawick where it was branded Joiner/Undertaker. The business was passed to his son and several generations later, Scottish Rugby Internationalist Jock Beattie took the helm in 1960. At this time, “Sons” was formally introduced as Jock successfully ran the business with his sons, Rob and John, until Jock’s death in 1978.
In 1990, Rob and John took the decision to cease the joinery element of the business and become dedicated funeral directors. This prompted a move to the current premises on Weensland Road. After John’s death in 1999, Rob continued to run the company until his own retirement in June 2009.
Rob Beattie sought out another family business with Borders roots, ethics and experience to take on the legacy of his family business. William Purves Funeral Directors, with its five generations and reputation for premier funeral services, was a natural fit and took over the business in 2011. The values of compassion, dedication, integrity and respect are at the heart of John Beattie & Sons as the team continue supporting bereaved families in Hawick and the surrounding area today.
