A remarkable milestone is being celebrated in Blairgowrie as David Scott (Blairgowrie Ltd) marks a full century of dedicated service to families across Perth and Kinross. The cherished local funeral directors, currently led by 36-year-old Martin Mackay, continues a profound family legacy that began in 1925.
The roots of this esteemed establishment stretch back to David Scott Senior, Martin’s great-grandfather, who launched his venture with a mere five pounds and a toolkit borrowed from his brother, John. Initially, the business seamlessly integrated both joinery and undertaking services—a common practice in that era—laying the groundwork for a tradition of meticulous care.
Through the decades, the firm evolved under the stewardship of Martin’s grandfather, also named David Scott. By the early 1990s, David’s son-in-law, Billy Mackay, had joined the ranks, eventually guiding the company to focus exclusively on funeral services following the sale of the joinery division. This pivotal shift saw the business rebranded as David Scott (Blairgowrie Ltd) Funeral Directors, maintaining its trusted presence in the community.
Growing up in Blairgowrie, Martin initially envisioned a different career path, aspiring to become a teacher. He even secured a place at Edinburgh University to pursue primary education. However, a summer job assisting his father at the funeral home proved to be a transformative experience.
“Dad needed someone to help wash the cars,” Martin recollects, describing his initial tasks. This soon expanded to include on-call duties, and by the age of 19, he realised his true calling lay within the family business. Choosing to forgo university, he immersed himself in the trade, learning from seasoned professionals like Fergie Alexander and Dave Findlay, the latter having even worked with his great-grandfather.
After more than fifteen years, Martin’s profound respect for the role has only deepened. He emphasises that the most rewarding aspect is the deep trust local residents place in him and his team. “People turn to you during their most vulnerable moments,” he explains, highlighting the importance of guiding them through their grief with unwavering support. This sentiment is particularly strong in close-knit communities such as Blairgowrie and Alyth, where personal connections form the bedrock of their service.
Beyond the dignified world of funeral directing, the Mackay family boasts a rich and varied heritage. Martin’s father, Billy, once graced the football pitches under the bright lights of Ibrox, playing for Rangers and later Hearts in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A notable moment in his career included being on the pitch at Dens Park when Albert Kidd’s two goals for Dundee famously snatched the league title from Hearts in 1986. Billy, a modest figure, later channelled his passion into local football, managing Blairgowrie Juniors, an esteemed local club where Martin’s grandfather served as president for decades. Martin himself contributed as club secretary before the global pandemic.
Funeral practices have undergone considerable transformation over the past century. Where once coffins were handcrafted in a local joinery workshop and services were straightforward local affairs, today’s expectations have diversified significantly. “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ funeral anymore,” Martin observes. Modern technology now enables live streaming of services, connecting grieving families with loved ones across continents, from Australia to Canada. This technological integration has become an invaluable tool for maintaining family bonds during difficult times.
The shift towards personalisation means families are more actively involved in tailoring services to reflect the unique life and passions of their loved ones. From live music to personal eulogies and even eco-friendly options like natural burials in private gardens, the firm strives to accommodate diverse wishes. “We rarely say we can’t do that,” Martin assures, underscoring their commitment to fulfilling every family’s request with dignity.
Working alongside his parents, Billy and Margot, and with his wife Susan managing pre-paid plans, Martin acknowledges the unique dynamics of a family business. He admits the initial years, while living at home and all involved in the local football club, presented a few challenges. However, he notes, “now we’re truly partners.” His own commitment to professional development was recently recognised when he became the first person in Scotland to achieve a Diploma in Funeral Directing from the IFD College in 2024.
Looking ahead, Martin is optimistic about the future, anticipating continued evolution with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly funeral options. Yet, the core philosophy remains unchanged: an unwavering dedication to caring for people during their most profound moments of loss, ensuring the David Scott legacy of compassionate service endures for generations to come.
The roots of this esteemed establishment stretch back to David Scott Senior, Martin’s great-grandfather, who launched his venture with a mere five pounds and a toolkit borrowed from his brother, John. Initially, the business seamlessly integrated both joinery and undertaking services—a common practice in that era—laying the groundwork for a tradition of meticulous care.
Through the decades, the firm evolved under the stewardship of Martin’s grandfather, also named David Scott. By the early 1990s, David’s son-in-law, Billy Mackay, had joined the ranks, eventually guiding the company to focus exclusively on funeral services following the sale of the joinery division. This pivotal shift saw the business rebranded as David Scott (Blairgowrie Ltd) Funeral Directors, maintaining its trusted presence in the community.
Growing up in Blairgowrie, Martin initially envisioned a different career path, aspiring to become a teacher. He even secured a place at Edinburgh University to pursue primary education. However, a summer job assisting his father at the funeral home proved to be a transformative experience.
“Dad needed someone to help wash the cars,” Martin recollects, describing his initial tasks. This soon expanded to include on-call duties, and by the age of 19, he realised his true calling lay within the family business. Choosing to forgo university, he immersed himself in the trade, learning from seasoned professionals like Fergie Alexander and Dave Findlay, the latter having even worked with his great-grandfather.
After more than fifteen years, Martin’s profound respect for the role has only deepened. He emphasises that the most rewarding aspect is the deep trust local residents place in him and his team. “People turn to you during their most vulnerable moments,” he explains, highlighting the importance of guiding them through their grief with unwavering support. This sentiment is particularly strong in close-knit communities such as Blairgowrie and Alyth, where personal connections form the bedrock of their service.
Beyond the dignified world of funeral directing, the Mackay family boasts a rich and varied heritage. Martin’s father, Billy, once graced the football pitches under the bright lights of Ibrox, playing for Rangers and later Hearts in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A notable moment in his career included being on the pitch at Dens Park when Albert Kidd’s two goals for Dundee famously snatched the league title from Hearts in 1986. Billy, a modest figure, later channelled his passion into local football, managing Blairgowrie Juniors, an esteemed local club where Martin’s grandfather served as president for decades. Martin himself contributed as club secretary before the global pandemic.
Funeral practices have undergone considerable transformation over the past century. Where once coffins were handcrafted in a local joinery workshop and services were straightforward local affairs, today’s expectations have diversified significantly. “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ funeral anymore,” Martin observes. Modern technology now enables live streaming of services, connecting grieving families with loved ones across continents, from Australia to Canada. This technological integration has become an invaluable tool for maintaining family bonds during difficult times.
The shift towards personalisation means families are more actively involved in tailoring services to reflect the unique life and passions of their loved ones. From live music to personal eulogies and even eco-friendly options like natural burials in private gardens, the firm strives to accommodate diverse wishes. “We rarely say we can’t do that,” Martin assures, underscoring their commitment to fulfilling every family’s request with dignity.
Working alongside his parents, Billy and Margot, and with his wife Susan managing pre-paid plans, Martin acknowledges the unique dynamics of a family business. He admits the initial years, while living at home and all involved in the local football club, presented a few challenges. However, he notes, “now we’re truly partners.” His own commitment to professional development was recently recognised when he became the first person in Scotland to achieve a Diploma in Funeral Directing from the IFD College in 2024.
Looking ahead, Martin is optimistic about the future, anticipating continued evolution with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly funeral options. Yet, the core philosophy remains unchanged: an unwavering dedication to caring for people during their most profound moments of loss, ensuring the David Scott legacy of compassionate service endures for generations to come.