LOCHGELLY funeral director, John Gilfillan, has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards, run by one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers, Golden Charter.

Taking place on Saturday September 21, at the Royal Lancaster, London, overlooking Hyde Park’s stunning Italian Gardens, the annual event celebrates the achievements of independent funeral directors.

Speaking about their nomination, John, said: "I am delighted to receive this nomination once again amidst stiff competition.

"Although we won the award in 2017 and 2018, there are so many high quality emerging funeral directors that I will not be taking anything for granted.

"However, I am eternally grateful to all those who continue to put their trust in John Gilfillan Funeral Directors; for arranging, conducting and often officiating on the funerals of loved ones, is a huge responsibility, but one which fills me with pride and respect for the local communities".

He added: "I should take this opportunity in acknowledging my team, Norma, Angela and Paul, whose dedication and efforts have helped secure this nomination. Time moves on but Angela and Paul have given me confidence that John Gilfillan Funeral Directors is here to stay and will continue to march on into the future".

Suzanne Grahame, Golden Charter’s Chief Executive, said: “Independent funeral directors’ dedication to the families they serve is inspiring, and these awards highlight that dedication across our UK-wide network of Independents.

“Being nominated shows the excellent service the team from John Gilfillan’s funeral directors has delivered to the local community, helping families through the funeral plan process and supporting them when they need it the most. We are all looking forward to a night celebrating that tireless work.”

The Funeral Planner of the Year Awards will mark the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK, who make up a majority of the funeral profession.

Golden Charter is one of the UK’s largest independent funeral plan providers. As a company that has been trading for over 25 years and employs around 250 members of staff, they have served over 500,000 customers who have trusted us to take care of their end of life planning arrangements.