SAIF Golden Charter

Vitos for Scotland’s largest independent

William Purves is a family-run funeral business based in Edinburgh with 28 offices stretching from the Scottish Borders and North East of Scotland to North Eastern England. The family business, now the largest independent funeral director in Scotland, was started in 1888 and is now in its fifth generation.

Over the past 20 years, the Purves family, who run a full Mercedes-Benz fleet across their branches, have taken delivery of numerous vehicles from Superior UK Automotive Ltd. These vehicles include ten hearses, fifteen limousines and multiple Vito removal vehicles – the most recent delivery is another new Superior Vito with ‘Rise&Fall’ deck in the firm’s trademark silver paintwork.

Director Andrew Purves explains why the Superior Mercedes-Benz Vito has remained the ideal removal vehicle for their business and why it is more than just the vehicles that keep them coming back.

He said: “Superior Vitos are reliable, professional and have all the functionality we require – the market-leading deck system is smooth and easy to use, and the finish is always superb – the Superior Vito ticks every box.

“We run a large fleet, so it is good to know we can pick up the phone and speak to the knowledgeable and efficient team at Superior who will take us from order to delivery with minimal fuss and a consistently personal, professional service.”

Superior’s Greg Platt, who delivered the Vito, said: “We take great pride in working with the Purves family to supply fleet vehicles and hope to maintain our good relationship for many years to come.”

With 135 successful years in business, William Purves Funeral Directors have achieved an enviable reputation for excellence and the highest standards of care and professionalism. In September 2022, the firm had the great privilege of being part of the dedicated team that cared for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family, conducting the funeral procession from Balmoral to Edinburgh. The vehicle used was a stunning Binz Mercedes Hearse wrapped in black in line with Royal protocol – a fitting and dignified final journey.