What we do
The Society’s objectives are of a charitable nature beneficial to the community in relieving the needs of the elderly. This is to be achieved by supporting men and women who are resident in Scotland and are 65 years of age or over ( and any individuals who are not resident but have a connection with Scotland consideration will also be given to people under 65 in exceptional circumstances)through the provision of retirement housing and other facilities and the payment of annual grants to such individuals. We are a charity operating in Scotland under the provisions of OSCR the Scottish Charities Regulator. Our entry in their database can be found here www.oscr.org.uk/charities/search-scottish-charity-register/charity-details?number=SC016247.
History
The Society was founded in 1889 by William Small at a time when extreme poverty was widespread. There were no old age pensions or a National Health Service and often those who lived in tied houses were turned out on to the streets when they could no longer work. For them, the Poor House was the only place to go. William Small and the other original members of the Society were concerned with the plight of the aged poor who, through no fault of their own, found themselves destitute. The site in Colinton was acquired to provide sheltered accommodation in eight cottages and these were all occupied by beneficiaries by 1898. The number of cottages has expanded over the following century and there are now 41 homes available within the complex.