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See the full checklistLeave your number and Thomas Brown & Sons Ltd will call you back.
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Thomas Brown & Sons Ltd are family-run funeral directors situated in Melrose at the heart of the Scottish Borders, with a history stretching back to 1848. Originally trading from Nisbet near Jedburgh, the business has been guided by the Brown family for generations, evolving from its roots in joinery and timber work to become a dedicated and trusted funeral service provider for the local community. Their long heritage includes connections to notable local landmarks, including involvement in the construction of the Leaderfoot Viaduct and joinery work on Earlston Parish Church in 1893.
The funeral home at East Port, Melrose, was extensively renovated in the early 2000s and features a 60-seat service room, a private chapel and viewing room, an arrangements room, a reception area, administration offices, and garaging for their Volvo fleet. The business is currently run by Robbie and Jacqueline Brown, who bring both personal dedication and professional expertise to every family they serve.
Thomas Brown & Sons offer a comprehensive range of services including cremation and burial, pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter, memorials with new inscriptions and maintenance across the Scottish Borders, and 24-hour attention for families in their time of need. Their ethos is simple: "Because we care."
"They instill calmness and trust in families when they lose a loved one. They have cared for both of my parents with the utmost dignity."
— Dawn Kibble
"The team at Thomas Brown dealt with our tragedy with absolute grace, tact, kindness and constructive contribution. Even when presented with complicated requirements and needs, they worked with us to achieve an excellent outcome."
— Daniel Scott
"My dad was incredibly worried about all of the 'next steps' following Gran's passing, especially in the lead up to Christmas, but this was all sorted by them without any hassle or sense of it being an inconvenience. Their staff treated my Gran with the utmost respect and dignity."
— Callum Waldie
"Everything was immaculate at the funeral home itself, with a warmth that lifted our spirits and put us at ease. They offered a professional service with a human touch to suit our needs and they just got it so right!"
— Holly Dow
"When my husband died suddenly I picked Thomas Brown and Sons based on their Google reviews and I'm so glad I did. Their care and compassion of myself and my daughter at such an horrendous time was beyond all expectations. I honestly cannot thank them enough."
— Heather Toal
"Robbie took control of everything and ensured my parents' funerals were an amazing tribute to them both. I do not know what I would have done without him. Nothing was too much trouble and Robbie and his staff went way over and above the call of duty to help me sort everything out at any time of the day and night."
— Jane Paul (about Robbie Brown)
Jacqueline Brown
Funeral Director
Jacqueline Brown co-runs Thomas Brown & Sons Ltd in Melrose alongside Robbie Brown, continuing the family's long tradit…
Jacqueline Brown
Funeral Director
Jacqueline Brown runs Thomas Brown & Sons Ltd in Melrose alongside Robbie Brown, providing funeral services to families…
Robbie Brown
Funeral Director
"Robbie took control of everything and ensured my parents' funerals were an amazing tribute to them both. I do not know …"
Robbie Brown
Funeral Director
"Robbie took control of everything and ensured my parents' funerals were an amazing tribute to them both. I do not know …"
Jane Paul
3 months ago
The amazing Robbie Brown and his superb staff looked after my mum and dad beautifully, when they sadly passed away, recently. I cannot thank him enough. With such a lot to think about and do, Robbie took control of everything and ensured my parents' funerals were an amazing tribute to them both. I do not know what I would have done without him. Nothing was too much trouble and Robbie and his staff went way over and above the call of duty to help me sort everything out at any time of the day and night. Thank you VERY much, indeed, for your compassion, your professionalism, your patience, attention to detail and your kindness, which I won't ever forget. Jane x
Heather Toal
6 months ago
When my husband died suddenly I picked Thomas Brown and Sons based on their Google reviews and I'm so glad I did. Their care and compassion of myself and my daughter at such an horrendous time was beyond all expectations. I honestly cannot thank them enough.
James Boath
2 months ago
Would not hesitate to recommend Thomas brown and sons the service from start to finish was exemplary. Very compassionate, caring and professional
Dawn Kibble
6 months ago
The team at Thomas Brown are kind caring and professional they instill calmness and trust in families when they lose a loved one. They have cared for both of my parents with the utmost dignity.
Daniel Scott
2 years ago
Just want to reiterate what others have said. The team at Thomas Brown dealt with our tragedy with absolute grace, tact, kindness and constructive contribution. Even when presented with complicated requirements and needs, they worked with us to achieve an excellent outcome. First class outfit, highly recommended.
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Get in touch
Call 01896822632We'll call you back
Thomas Brown & Sons Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Thomas Brown & Sons Ltd will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
You've completed of 18 steps on the bereavement checklist.
Continue your checklist18 things to sort when someone dies — keep track so nothing gets missed.
See the full checklist
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Melrose, Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale. All 9 listed members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family compassionate, professional care.
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