Our history
Thomas Brown & Sons has been supporting families in Melrose and across the Scottish Borders for over 175 years. What began as a local joinery business gradually grew into a dedicated funeral service, built on craftsmanship, trust, and community ties. Today, we continue that family tradition of care, guidance, and professionalism – walking with families every step of the way.
The beginning
The business started as a joinery workshop, trading first from Nisbet near Jedburgh before moving to Melrose in 1848. Thomas Brown & Sons quickly established its premises in East Port, Melrose, earning a reputation for skilled craftsmanship.
Early projects included timber templates for the construction of the Leaderfoot Viaduct and joinery work on Earlston Parish Church in 1893 – commissions that reflected both the scale and quality of the firm’s work.
Thomas had eight children and died in 1894. Three of them – Jim, Alec, and George – were involved in the business, with Alec and George taking charge after their father’s death.
Both men were deeply rooted in the local community. They played rugby for Melrose and featured in sevens-winning teams alongside Ned Haig and Davie Sanderson, founders of rugby sevens. They also served with the Border Rifle Volunteers and the KOSB Territorial Battalion, reflecting the strong community and service ethos that shaped the business.
A family tradition of service
At the outbreak of the First World War, George – though over age – left to serve with the KOSB. He took part in the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign and was reputed to be the oldest serving soldier there. Sadly, he never recovered from the horrors of war, leaving Alec to continue running the business.
Alec led the firm until his death in 1935, when it passed to his nephew, Robert (Bob) Brown. Bob had also served during the First World War with the KOSB, HLI, and Royal Scots. An engineer by trade and a trained joiner, he guided the business through the difficult Second World War years, gradually rebuilding its workforce.
He was joined by his son Derek in 1948.
Derek would go on to serve the business – and the community – for over 60 years. Following National Service with the Royal Scots, he became a highly respected funeral director, supported by skilled tradesmen, many of whom were extended family. Like the generations before him, Derek was deeply involved in rugby, playing for Melrose, South of Scotland, and the Barbarians. In 1999, he received the honour of being appointed President of the Scottish Rugby Union.
From craftsmanship to care
Derek’s son Robbie joined the business in 1984. After serving his time as a joiner, he began assisting his father with conducting funerals – continuing the gradual shift from joinery to funeral directing. His rugby achievements mirrored his father’s, maintaining the family’s strong sporting connection.
Over time, demand for funeral services grew. Rather than hiring vehicles and facilities, the business invested in its own funeral fleet, and the transformation from joinery firm to dedicated funeral director accelerated.
In 2002, the joinery business formally closed, and the premises were redeveloped into a modern funeral home.
Robbie was joined in the business by his wife Jacqueline in 2006, son Thomas in 2016, and daughter Laura in 2018 – continuing the family legacy into the next generation.
The business expanded further:
- Fleet of funeral cars: first Volvo fleet in 2006, upgraded in 2015, replaced with Mercedes in 2022, including an E-Class hybrid hearse, one of the first in Scotland.
- Thomas Brown & Sons Memorials (2008): installation of state-of-the-art headstone engraving machinery and bespoke memorial design software.
- Recent refurbishments (since 2022): mortuary extension, new reception, and arrangement lounge to continue offering modern, dignified, and welcoming spaces for families.
Experience you can rely on
Today, Thomas Brown & Sons remains proudly family-run, led by Robbie and Jacqueline Brown, with support from the next generation – Thomas as a funeral director and Laura as an office administrator.
Each generation has carried forward the same belief: when families face loss, what they need most is a calm, trusted guide – someone who understands what to do and walks beside them throughout.
That experience lives not only in our history, but in the people you’ll meet when you come to us for support.
What families say
Find support after a loss
It’s free, easy to access, and designed to help families navigate grief with practical guidance and reassurance. Once you’ve explored our support resources, our team can help with next steps whenever you feel ready.
Book an appointment
Our team is here to guide you through every step, whether you’re planning ahead or arranging a funeral. We can discuss your needs in person and provide reassurance during a difficult time.