Funeral director's 20 year service

Margaret Kerr receives her long service award from Gerard Boyle (left) and Henry Dorricott.

Arguably, though, the last 12 months have been the most challenging for the funeral manager.

Margaret has worked for two decades at Henry Dorricott Funeral Directors, which has branches in Lanark, Lesmahagow and Larkhall.

She has received a commemorative award for supporting the bereaved during the most difficult times of their lives from her employer, Dignity Funerals.

Margaret said: “I wanted to work in the funeral profession and was always asking Mr Dorricott if he had any vacancies.

" In 2001, they were looking for a part-time funeral service arranger and I successfully applied to join the business.

“My training was on the job with Mr Dorricott and he spent a lot of time and effort making sure I knew every aspect of the business, from caring for the deceased to ensuring that all the necessary paperwork was completed professionally and accurately.

"As the business is part of Dignity Funerals, I’ve been able to attend a number of training courses to ensure that I can provide the highest possible standard of service to our clients.”

Facing death as part of her daily life might seem difficult for some but, like many in the funeral sector, it’s a vocation for Margaret.

She was promoted to funeral manager 13 years ago and is honoured that local families allow her to help them following a bereavement.

She said: “It’s very rewarding when a family tells me that I’ve helped them or provided comfort.”

Reflecting on how the funeral sector has changed over the past 20 years, Margaret said: “People talk more openly now about death so clients have a better understanding of the type of funeral their loved one wants.”

The men and women who arrange and conduct funerals have performed an important role during the Covid-19 pandemic too.

She added: “The past 12 months have definitely been the most challenging time of my career.

"We have had to quickly adapt to both the restrictions on funerals and constantly changing circumstances to ensure that our clients and colleagues remain safe.”