160 years in the profession
Jardine Funeral Directors knows its business inside out – and so it should. The company has just celebrated its 160th anniversary, making it one of the longest established funeral firms in the UK.
One of its directors, Arthur Jardine, has just turned 90. The Dumfries-based company successfully combines longevity and tradition with dynamism and innovation. However, the real key to success lies in its roots in the local community.
“We ensure that we treat every person with the same level of respect,” said Business Manager Ruth Jardine. “We provide an affordable, compassionate and personal service, and we are trusted – that’s crucial. And we all share the values of the business. Wisdom and integrity are vital to us.”
The company was started in 1862 when James Jardine first established a firm of joiners and undertakers. Another of the line, James Rae “Jimmy” Jardine, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the First World War, with his discharge certificate signed by the King. “We’re incredibly proud of that,” said Ruth.
There is still a link with Jimmy to this day – his son Arthur, the oldest director who is Ruth’s father-in-law, built the first chapel of rest in the south of Scotland.
In 2005, Mark Jardine MBE (fifth generation) created the award-winning Roucan Loch Crematorium and Woodland Burial Site, which serves Dumfries and Galloway. The 70-acre site, which is a centre of excellence, overlooks tranquil waters where wildlife and calming birdsong create an oasis of peace and a natural final resting place.
“Helping people when they are at their most vulnerable is a real privilege,” added Ruth, who manages the crematorium and also acts as a celebrant.
Arthur Jardine is not the only person with impressively long service in the multi-award-winning business. Another employee, 80-year-old Terry Dyer, retired in June after 65 years with the company.
Terry was presented with an inspirational leaving gift – a 10-foot-high statue of a stag which has been located in pride of place at the crematorium, where it will be seen by thousands of people.
Ruth Jardine was awarded a certificate from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) for making a significant contribution to the industry. “The award was made because of the innovative practice I developed during the Covid pandemic at Roucan Loch,” Ruth explained. “We delivered funeral services outside amid the sights and sounds of nature.
“Mourners took comfort from the birdsong, the sound of the water from the loch’s fountains and the wind in the trees. Families have told us the experience they had was very personal and special and they wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
The firm was also involved when the Queen died in September. Ruth’s husband Mark is Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Stewartry in Dumfries and Galloway. They delivered the wreath to Balmoral on behalf of the region. “It was very humbling,” Ruth recalled.
Tags: chapel of rest, Crematorium, Dumfries, funeral directors, Jardine, Roucan Loch, Ruth Jardine