independant funeral directors

In 1902, William Wallace, took over a carriage hiring business in the small scenic town of West Kilbride in Ayrshire.

Over the next decade, his business, which was at the heart of the community, thrived as he provided his lifeline, horse drawn transport service to the village and neighbouring area.

In the mid-20s, William purchased his first motor hearse. Horse and carriage was still the main source of transport but the family business offered both the motorcar and traditional horse drawn carriages for weddings, funerals and of course day-to-day travel

Our premises

William was a very important figure in the community becoming a founder member of the Clyde Coast bus service.

William married had two sons by his wife Helen – one who sadly died aged just 12 – and two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth.

William and Helen’s surviving son John, began working for the family business aged just 10 and became the choice driver of many of the regular customers.

World War II brought hard times but also an opportunity for businessmen living outside cities who were encouraged to purchase cars, which would otherwise be destroyed by bombs. During this time, John, purchased a number of high-class vehicles including Rolls Royce and Daimler limousines.

modern day funeral directors

William, Barbar and Gordon Wallace

Today, the business is still in the hands of another William, John and Isa's son who was born in 1933 and became involved in the family run business after completing an apprenticeship as a vehicle mechanic, aged 21 years, and spending two years completing his National Service.

The business still stands in the same spot as it did over 100 years ago with William, his wife Barbara and his youngest son Gordon working in partnership.

In your time of grief and need, William Wallace and Son are one of the few remaining independent funeral directors in Ayrshire who can offer you a truly personal, compassionate and highly experienced service, second to none.