William Purves Funeral Directors- Oakvale Funeral Home

Edinburgh

A 21st century funeral home opens the doors of its Victorian villa “Oakvale” in the heart of Edinburgh and their new Land Rover hearse.

Heritage enthusiasts can see Oakvale in its modern splendour.  Originally conceived as a cathedral, it's build began in the 1840’s. Over the years it's been used as a private residence, a convent and junior school.  In 1995 Oakvale settled as a modern funeral home; head office of William Purves, Scotland’s largest group of independent funeral directors.  Visitors can freely visit fully restored period drawing rooms, an ashes library and the garden. Over two floors, we have magnificent reception rooms boasting ornate plasterwork, woodwork, and original fireplaces. There is an original oak staircase lit by a large stained glass window. And for car enthusiasts, get up close to our Land Rover Defender hearse.

Activities 

- Guided tours and chances to meet funeral directors and ask questions

- A chance to see and sit inside our fleet including the Land Rover Defender Hearse

- Printed information and takeaways

- Children’s activities

 

2026 Theme: Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.

This is a Victorian Villa with beautiful bay windows high ceilings and period drawing rooms, hallmarks of its era. It has been revived and contains most of its original features which have been well maintained over decades. Extensions have been added over time to facilitate various operational activities, but any urge or possibility of destroying and replacing is resisted. Once a residential home, it has now been reimagined to become an operational funeral home.

Photo credits: Neils Calvert, Blue Sky Photography. 

 

Facilities

• Disabled WC
• WC
• Refreshments
• Events For Children
• Parking
• Hearing Loop
• Limited Access
• Disabled Access

Additional Access Information

The mortuary and office areas will not be open to the public.