Bringing a loved one home to Scotland
If your loved one has died abroad, we understand how overwhelming this time can feel. We provide professional repatriation services across the Scottish Borders, coordinating every aspect of bringing someone home to Scotland with care, dignity, and clear guidance.
We work closely with trusted international specialists to manage legal requirements, transport arrangements, and documentation on your behalf, ensuring the process is handled smoothly from start to finish.
Repatriation services in the Scottish Borders
We support families throughout the Scottish Borders with international repatriation arrangements.
We work in partnership with:
Together, we coordinate all necessary steps to return your loved one to Scotland safely and respectfully.
Our role is to remain your main point of contact throughout the process.
How we can help
Once you contact us, we will begin coordinating immediately. We explain each step clearly, liaise with our international partners, and ensure all legal and transport requirements are met before arranging safe return to Scotland.
- Liaison with overseas authorities and funeral homes
- Consular and legal documentation
- Translation of required documents (where needed)
- Collection and care of the deceased abroad
- Preparation and embalming for international transport
- Suitable coffin or casket provision for travel
- Flight arrangements and return to the UK
- Transfer into our care at our funeral home in Melrose
We handle the practical arrangements so you can focus on your family.
Our repatriation process
When someone dies abroad, contact us as soon as possible.
Once we are informed, we will:
- Explain the immediate steps required.
- Begin coordinating with our international partners.
- Liaise with relevant authorities to meet all legal requirements.
- Arrange safe return to Scotland.
Early contact allows us to manage the repatriation efficiently and with minimal delay. We are available 24 hours a day to provide guidance and support.
Costs and insurance
Repatriation costs may sometimes be covered by:
- Travel insurance
- Over 50s life insurance
- Existing funeral plans
We can assist with reviewing documentation and liaising with insurers where appropriate. If cover is not in place, we will explain the process clearly and transparently.
Bringing your loved one into our care
Once your loved one has returned to Scotland, we will receive them into our care at our funeral home in Melrose.
From there, we can help you plan the funeral service, including burial or cremation, venue arrangements, music, readings, officiants, and any cultural or faith-based requirements. We will support you with sensitivity and professionalism throughout.
We're here 24/7
If you need help arranging repatriation to Scotland or the Scottish Borders, you can contact us at any time. We are here to help you bring your loved one home with care and dignity.