Memorial Headstones
Rememberance
It will never be easy to choose the right words, pictures, or symbols to portray the life and character of a loved one. We understand this and will take the time and offer the assistance, or advice, you need to help you with the choice that’s right for you.
We Take a Great Amount of Pride in What We Do
Our work is judged by the test of time and the generations to come so we treat every memorial with the greatest care and respect.
We enjoy providing the time, effort, and professionalism so you can create a lasting and fitting tribute to bequeath in memory of your loved ones.
Everything You Need
Our prices are inclusive of all lettering on the front of the headstone, fitting of a headstone, concrete sub-base, and VAT.
The only additional costs are for artwork taken from our brochure or a bespoke photo, or design of your choice. An additional inscription or design can be added to the back of the stone for an extra charge.
Memorials
Memorials
Choosing the perfect headstone to commemorate your loved one can be a difficult process- there are lots of options available and it’s essential that you choose a design that suits you and your family. Below, we explore the range of headstone styles and materials and also take a look at popular designs for inscriptions and engravings.
Time to Reflect
It’s helpful to know that you don’t have to choose a headstone immediately when organising a funeral – time will be required before it can be placed securely in the ground by a grave. This will give you the chance to reflect on what type of stone, the shape, size, engraving, and wording you wish to put on the memorial.
When you’re ready to choose and place a headstone, Martins Memorials will be there to help you in all aspects of choosing the right stone and to place it for you.
Martins Memorials can help.
Headstone styles
The first thing you’ll need to decide on is the size and shape of the headstone. This depends on the amount of text you’d like engraved and whether you’d like to add any images or symbols to the stone too. Let’s take a look at the most popular headstone styles available:
Upright headstones
Upright headstones are the most traditional option and are very popular here in the UK. An upright headstone is fixed to the ground on a concrete base, and the stone itself can be made from a range of materials, granite or marble are advised for the islands due to their durability.
They are ideal for inscribing a decent amount of text and the top edge can be shaped to suit your taste.
Flat headstones
Flat headstones give a similar effect to upright headstones as they offer plenty of space to engrave words and images. Flat headstones can either be flush with the ground or slightly raised on a slant. They’re usually made from granite as it works well in areas where the weather conditions are harsh.
Headstone materials
The next thing to decide on is what the headstone is actually going to be made from. In the UK, headstones are most commonly made from stone, of which there are a few particularly popular choices.
Granite
Granite is the most popular stone used for headstones as it’s the most cost-effective and is available in a variety of colours; granite can be anything from green or red to grey or whiteish-pink. It’s a durable, hard stone that stands the test of time.
Marble is a recrystallised form of limestone which is light and bright with blue and grey colouring. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, it also has a lovely smooth texture, making it look and feel particularly elegant compared to other stone types. However, mild acid rain can slowly dissolve marble over time meaning that if the headstone has inscriptions, the writing can become difficult to read. Because of this, marble headstones aren’t ideal in particularly damp areas.
Slate is a brilliant alternative to granite if you want a headstone that not only stands out but also stands the test of time. Slate has a beautifully smooth texture and takes to carving very well. For even more of an impact, you could also highlight the carved areas with white paint or gilding. Whilst slate is prone to delamination, generally, it’s a very durable material that will act as a lasting memory of your loved one for many years to come.
Inscriptions and Images
The words engraved onto a headstone are extremely important. They should be concise, dignified and a perfect summary of your loved one’s life. Usually, an epitaph consists of the name of the deceased and their date of birth and death. This is, however, the minimum; many families opt for a more elaborate inscription which includes a common phrase, a line of poetry or a bible passage. This is your opportunity to add something truly personal to the headstone, so consult close family and friends about what they think is the best way to remember the one they’ve lost.
Images are a unique and personal addition to any headstone and can feature photographic images using full-colour ceramics.
Don’t hesitate to contact Us!
Martins Memorials
7a, Newton Street
Stornoway
HS1 2RE
Tel: 01851 600404
Mob: 07852 913546
