|
Begun in 1910, the Scottish Veterans Residences have
provided accommodation to thousands of ex-service men and women in three
properties; Whiteford House on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Murray
Home, also in Edinburgh, and Rosendael in Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
This is an independent Scottish Charity specifically
set up in 1910 by two Seaforth Highlanders, Charles Pelham Burn and
Chilton Addison Smith, to alleviate the destitution and neglect suffered
by Boer War Veterans. Its opposite number in England is The Royal Hospital
Chelsea but, unlike the Royal Hospital, Scottish Veterans Residences
receives no direct support from the Ministry of Defence and relies on
public charitable donations.
In 2002, 354 veterans of all ages were helped in the
three homes. In particular a number of younger ex-service men and women
were enabled to regain their self confidence as a result of their stay and
moved back into mainstream housing.
At the same time the Residences provide a home to
former members of the Armed Services who vary in age from 17 to 95. Some
stay only a few weeks or months, others have called it their home for over
25 years. All would be homeless if it were not for the Scottish Veterans
Residences. |