Memorial masonry
Choosing a memorial is a deeply personal way to remember someone special – a lasting tribute that reflects their life and the love felt for them.
At Thomas Brown & Sons, we offer a complete memorial masonry service throughout the Scottish Borders. Whether you are arranging a new headstone, adding an inscription, or restoring an existing memorial, our experienced team will guide you with care and sensitivity at every step.
National Association of Memorial Masons
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to funerals. Thomas Brown & Sons are proud members of the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM).
This means all memorial work is carried out in accordance with the NAMM Code of Practice, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and professional care.
Our trained memorial masons follow recognised industry regulations when installing, repairing, and restoring memorials – giving you complete peace of mind that your loved one’s memorial is in safe hands.
Our memorial services
New memorials & headstones
We can supply and install a wide range of memorials, each one designed to reflect your wishes and the character of the person it commemorates.
Using modern Masonart design software, we create a detailed layout showing inscription wording, lettering styles, and positioning. Once you are happy with the design, we will provide a clear estimate and timescale.
Orders typically take 8–20 weeks from confirmation to installation, depending on materials and cemetery regulations.
Headstone range
Our memorial brochure showcases the styles, shapes, and stone types available, helping you choose a fitting tribute.
Brochures and price lists are available to download below, or we can talk you through the options in person if you would prefer guidance.
Adding an inscription
If you would like to add further wording to an existing memorial — for example to commemorate another family member – we can carefully match lettering styles and layouts.
We use modern blast-cabinet engraving equipment alongside mobile cutting machinery, allowing inscriptions to be completed sensitively and accurately, often without needing to remove the memorial from the cemetery.
Memorial refurbishment & repairs
Over time, memorials can be affected by weathering, ground movement, and natural wear. We offer a full range of remedial works to restore them with dignity and respect, including:
- Cleaning memorial stonework
- Repainting or regilding lettering
- Re-fixing loose components
- Structural repairs
All works are carried out in line with current safety regulations.
Fixing a fallen or unsafe memorial
If a memorial has fallen or been identified as unstable, it is important that it is made safe as soon as possible.
Our process includes:
- Surveying the memorial to assess condition and stability
- Identifying any defects
- Providing a plan and estimate for recommended works
- Re-fixing the memorial in accordance with NAMM safety standards
Where a memorial is deemed unsafe, we are duty-bound to recommend refixing to ensure public safety and long-term stability.
Our process & estimates
For both new memorials and remedial works, we follow a clear and supportive process:
- A free on-site survey is carried out
- We provide a detailed plan and estimate
- Upon acceptance, works are scheduled
Remedial works are weather dependent and can take up to 24 weeks to complete.
All estimates are provided free of charge.
Memorial brochure & price list
You can download our latest memorial brochure and pricing information below:
(Prices include installation within the Scottish Borders, up to 80 letters of inscription, and VAT. Additional lettering is charged separately.)
Memorial FAQs
If you have questions about choosing a memorial, inscriptions, or repair works, our team will be happy to help.
We can advise on cemetery regulations, timescales, materials, and design options – ensuring you feel fully informed before making any decisions.
Can you repair or clean an existing memorial?
Yes – we provide a full memorial refurbishment service.
This includes cleaning stonework, repainting or regilding lettering, re-fixing loose elements, and carrying out structural repairs. We will first carry out a survey and provide a clear estimate before any work begins.
Do I need permission to install or alter a memorial?
In most cemeteries and churchyards, permission is required before installing a new memorial or making changes to an existing one.
Don’t worry – we will guide you through this process and handle the necessary applications on your behalf, ensuring all works comply with local regulations.
Can you add an inscription to an existing headstone?
Yes – we can add additional inscriptions to existing memorials, whether to commemorate another family member or add further wording. We carefully match the original lettering style, size, and layout wherever possible to ensure the new inscription blends respectfully with the existing memorial.
How long does it take to install a new memorial?
The timescale for installing a new memorial is typically between 8 and 20 weeks from the point an order is confirmed. This allows time for design approval, stone preparation, inscription, and cemetery authority permits. Timescales can vary depending on material choice and local regulations, but we will always keep you informed throughout the process.
Considering a memorial or inscription?
We’re here to guide you through the options with care and clarity.