Douglas Swan & Sons,
Monumental Sculptors,
18 St Cuthbert St,
Kirkcudbright,
DG6 4HZ.

Tel. No. (01557) 330941
Fax. No. (01557) 331806
e-mail swan1864@aol.com

Established 1864
Douglas Swan & Sons
Monumental Sculptors

The Swan Family has supplied, renovated and made additions to memorials throughout the Galloway area since 1864. During this time they have built the reputation of providing high quality memorials and workmanship of distinctive craftsmanship at very competitive prices.

HISTORY

James Swan was born in Kirkmahoe, Dumfriesshire in 1839, he served his time as a hewer/mason at Locharbriggs Quarry before moving to Kirkcudbright in 1860 to work for Wallace & Co. Noticing that there was an opportunity to supply and renovate memorials he founded a business in the name of James Swan, Monumental Sculptor. This is the business, which evolved into the Douglas Swan & Sons of today.

John Swan his son, born in 1870, followed in his father's footsteps and carried on the business after the death of James in 1905, changing the name to John Swan Monumental Sculptor. John had two sons Jonathan and Douglas who trained and continued in the business, which became John Swan & Sons. John died in 1943 leaving the two sons to carry on in the business. The brothers decided to part Company in 1957, Jonathan trading as Jonathan Swan Monumental Sculptor and Douglas as Douglas Swan Monumental Sculptor. Sadly Jonathan died in 1961 leaving only the business of Douglas Swan to carry on in the family name.

Douglas junior joined his father in 1970 and in 1974 the firm became Douglas Swan & Son. Ian the younger of the two brothers became a partner in 1980 and the current name of Douglas Swan & Sons was established. Douglas senior died on 1982. Douglas junior's younger daughter Carrie joined the firm in 1999 making her the fifth generation of Swans to work in the memorial business in Kirkcudbright.

GENERAL INFORMATION

By combining traditional methods, passed down through five generations and modern up-to-date techniques, Douglas Swan & Sons can supply many differing designs. This enables their customers to create memorials to suit their very own specifications. 

The company stock a large number of local Creetown, Dalbeattie and foreign granite memorials of varying dimensions. They also give advice and assist in all aspects of the memorial trade. This ensures the customer chooses the type of memorial most suited to their individual requirements. Customers are encouraged to take part in the design and layout of a memorial so that each memorial becomes as individual as the person/s it commemorates.

The business also specialises in the restoration and renovation of monuments and memorials in all cemeteries and burial grounds throughout the Dumfries and Galloway area. Many of their customers are people from abroad who trace their ancestors and have their family memorials restored and preserved for future generations to see.

PET MEMORIALS & HOUSE NAMEPLATES

Memorials are not only used to commemorate the passing and resting place of humans. As pets play a bigger role as part of today's family, Douglas Swan & Sons receive many enquiries for memorials commemorating deceased pets and animals, from budgies and rabbits to dogs and horses.

Pieces of off-cut material from larger stones are kept which enable the business to supply customers with small memorials to their pets. These memorials can sometimes be as unique as the larger memorials.

These smaller pieces of granite and slate can also be used for house nameplates and numbers. Customers are given a lot of freedom to design and chose the letter style for their house name.

OTHER STONE PRODUCTS

Douglas Swan & Sons continually stock Kirkstone Green Slate, which can be cut, polished and turned into hearths, mantelpieces and worktops. They can also order a range of granites and marbles from their suppliers.

STONE WORKING & EQUIPMENT

Douglas Swan & Sons rely on traditional methods of carving and cutting stone and both partners are trained letter cutters and masons. To supplement these skills the business also uses the latest computer aided design technology, diamond cutting and polishing machinery and sandblasting techniques, which allows a high quality memorial to be produced at competitive prices.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEMORIAL MASONS

Douglas Swan & Sons are members of the National Association of Memorial Masons and operate a guarantee scheme in accordance with their Code of Working Practice.

Also at 82 High Street, Dalbeattie. Tel. No. (01556) 611622