About us / Our history

Our history

Thomas Cuthell & Sons has been serving families across the Forth Valley for over 120 years. From our beginnings in 1905 to our current funeral homes in Falkirk, Grangemouth, Bo’ness, and Denny, our family has always been committed to supporting local communities during life’s most difficult moments.

Our beginnings

Thomas Cuthell founded the business in 1905, assisted by his brother-in-law, Archie Grant. Originally a joinery business, funerals were provided as needed, with the deceased cared for in the family home.

Funerals were intimate affairs, usually held within two or three days, and a horse-drawn hearse transported the deceased.

Old photo of Thomas Cuthell, Founder of Thomas Cuthell & Sons Funeral Directors
Old photos of Archie Cuthell and Jim Cuthell, sons of the original Thomas Cuthell who founded Thomas Cuthell & Sons.

Building the family tradition

Thomas was later joined by his sons, Archie and Jim, and the family acquired their first motorised funeral vehicles. Over time, the funeral side of the business grew, eventually outpacing the joinery work.

During this period, the Bo’ness premises were updated with service rooms, meeting areas, and reception facilities, setting the foundation for modern funeral care.

Expanding across the Forth Valley

In the 1980s, Grant and Colin Cuthell, with Grant’s wife Margaret, expanded into Denny with a purpose-built funeral home. Subsequent expansions included Grangemouth and Falkirk, establishing Thomas Cuthell & Sons as a trusted presence across the Forth Valley.

Photos from the 1980s, showing Archie Cuthell cutting the turf at Denny, where the family expanded their business to in the 1980s. Grant and Colin Cuthell and Grant's wife Margaret accompanying. Another photo shows the fleet of Daimlers used by the family around that time.
Photo of Michelle Cuthell, Alistair Cuthell & Paul Cuthell, the family behind Thomas Cuthell & Sons funeral directors

The next generation

Today, the business continues under the guidance of Alistair, Paul, and Michelle Cuthell, supported by a dedicated team. Our ongoing family involvement ensures that cherished traditions are respected, while also embracing modern approaches to funeral care and service.

Recognition built over generations

For more than a century, Thomas Cuthell & Sons has helped shape professional funeral care in Scotland. Our long-standing involvement with recognised trade associations reflects a legacy of leadership, responsibility, and service to the profession.

Over the years, members of the Cuthell family have played active roles within organisations such as the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), contributing to the development of standards, training, and ethical practice that benefit families far beyond our own funeral homes.

Today, that tradition continues, building on the work of previous generations and ensuring the values established in 1905 remain relevant, respected, and trusted.

Our professional standards
Logos for NAFD, NAMM, Selected Independent Funeral Homes and SAIF
The service room with seating for over 250 people at Thomas Cuthell & Sons in Grangemouth

Looking forward

Over a century later, our family-run approach remains at the heart of everything we do. By combining our heritage, experience, and understanding of local communities, we provide compassionate, professional funeral services that honour the life being celebrated.

Continue exploring

Learn more about Thomas Cuthell & Sons:

Meet our team

Get to know the family leadership and dedicated staff who continue our tradition of compassionate care.

Professional standards

Learn about our commitment to professional excellence and industry leadership.

Community involvement

Discover how we support local people, projects, and organisations across the Forth Valley.

Take away the financial burden for loved ones

If you’d like to take care of the financial side too, our pre-paid funeral plans let you see what’s included and arrange payment online.

Arrange a funeral

Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of arranging a funeral, with compassion, clarity, and support.

Contact us or book a free consultation

You’re always welcome to call or visit any of our funeral homes during opening hours.
If you’d prefer a private chat about arrangements or pre-paid plans, book a free consultation at a time that suits you.

News & updates

Stay informed with the latest news from Thomas Cuthell & Sons:

View all posts

Neil McGregor and Calum Johnstone were crowned winners of the Thomas Cuthell & Sons-sponsored Cuthell Open Pairs at Allandale Bowling Club.

Read more

Our new funeral director website makes it easier to find funeral information, make online donations and leave tribute messages, with clear guidance and improved access across mobile phones, tablets and computers.

Read more

Thomas Cuthell & Sons has introduced eFD funeral management software to help keep funeral arrangements accurate, organised and up to date, giving our team more time to support families with care and attention.

Read more