Houndwood Crematorium

Houndwood Church
Houndwood
Eyemouth
Berwickshire
TD14 5TP

Telephone: 01361 850313

Crematorium information

Houndwood Crematorium is situated in the little hamlet of Houndwood, set in the beautiful Berwickshire countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and fields.

Houndwood Church was built during the mid-1830s to accommodate the Grantshouse and Reston communities. The first service, at what was initially called Renton Chapel, took place in 1836. Houndwood became a parish within its own right just 15 years later. For 180 years, Houndwood Church was the religious heart of this beautiful part of Berwickshire.

In 2003, the final Church of Scotland service was delivered at Houndwood Church before its closure. The B-Listed building was subsequently purchased by the Edinburgh-based Carlton Group and a rear section converted into a crematorium. Local carpenters, stonemasons, roofers and gardeners were all used in the conservation and renovation work. Houndwood Crematorium opened to the public 30th March 2015.

We have our own Garden of Remembrance, called Westwood Memorial Garden, which was gifted to us by a local farmer.  A separate entrance allows direct access without having to enter the Churchyard – preventing any intrusion on other church services.

A pathway meanders through the indigenous Rowan and Birch trees where visitors can enjoy peaceful reflection whilst resting on the many benches around the garden, listening to the little stream that runs by and the birdsong.

Our chapel can seat 120 people with traditional wooden pews and we can also provide organ facilities and our music system with hearing loop.

Unfortunately due to Houndwood Crematorium being a 180 year old chapel which stands on a hill, we have no access for the less-abled into the building. 

Admin office email address - houndwood.crematorium@thecmg.co.uk

Opening Hours

The Office:
Our office is open Monday - Friday 08:30 - 16:30. We encourage booking an appointment with us at the crematorium prior to visiting.

The collection of cremated remains and memorial consultations can still take place by means of an appointment.

The Grounds:
Our grounds remain open to members of the public.

Parking

The car park is open all year round for public.

Our fees

We know that understanding what goes into the cost of a funeral can sometimes be difficult for families. We also recognise that understanding the overall financial implications of arranging a funeral is important. To this end we have included a downloadable price list of the services available to you.

It is important to us that any confusion is completely removed to help families to fully understand what the Cremation Fee includes, and what this means as part of the wider cost of the funeral. We have outlined the elements that are necessary to provide a cremation service to you below, although of course we would be happy to discuss any further queries you might have directly with you. You can contact us at any time to talk through any further options and any fees that might apply.

The cremation fee includes the following:

• All professional services relating to the administration and registration of the cremation, in line with statutory regulation.
• The use of our Chapel along with the assistance of a trained staff member on the day of the service.
• The provision of music during the funeral service (please contact the Crematorium for details of our available options).
• The sensitive handling of the cremation in line with environmental legislation.
• The appropriate national environmental levy for mercury abatement.
• The scattering or interment of the ashes within our Gardens of Remembrance, or the preparation for their removal along with a suitable container and the Cremation Certificate.
• Alternatively, we will look after the ashes safely and securely at our Crematoria site and can share with you the various options and next steps available to care for your loved ones ashes.

We also offer weekend services, fees for which along with  other available services are detailed in the PDF attachment entitled Cremation Price List

Direct cremation

We have a number of options available to meet the ever increasing demand for this service which are detailed below.

Unattended Direct Cremation

• There will be no service in the chapel and no mourners in attendance.
• Sometime following the cremation, staff at the Crematorium will contact the Applicant to confirm instructions for the ashes in order to offer any further assistance. There are many occasions when families change their decision having had time for further thought and discussion.

Attended Direct Cremation

• The attended direct cremation is available at 9.00am.
• This option enables families to attend the crematorium to see the coffin in the chapel and be able to spend a few moments with the coffin before the leaving the chapel.
• The crematorium staff will be available to help and assist you during the time at the crematorium, showing you both in and out of the chapel at the appropriate times.
• Music may also be played should you wish.
• Sometime following the cremation, staff at the Crematorium will contact the Applicant to confirm instructions for the ashes in order to offer any further assistance. There are many occasions when families change their mind having had time for further thought.

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