Edinburgh University Settlement

The Edinburgh University Settlement (EUS) was a multi-purpose voluntary organisation established by University of Edinburgh in 1905. The Edinburgh University Settlement was part of a larger settlement movement which began in Britain with the founding of Toynbee Hall in London in 1886. EUS was liquidated in 2011 following bankruptcy.

The main founder of the Edinburgh settlement was a history professor called Sir Richard Lodge in proposing the foundation of the Settlement Professor Lodge acknowledged that while Edinburgh was a fair city it had some 'foul spots' in it. The first location suggested for the settlement would be in the district that lay between the Cowgate and the Cannongate in Edinburgh's old town. He suggested that if the fellows and students of the University could do anything to 'brighten the lives and bring sympathy and gladness to some of the homes in those dark spots' they would be going some way to repay the debt the College owed to the city.

The basis of the Settlement idea was that undergraduates, academics and researchers would be resident in 'Settlement Houses' which were situated in underprivileged communities. To 'bring graduate and undergraduate face to face with the working man to unite their energies for the common social good'. The first group of 12 students moved in to High School Yards, living with a warden appointed by the academics. They lived in the Settlement House free, or for cheaper rent, in return for doing community work. The aim was to live as part of the community and that there would be benefits as a result; for the community and also for those researchers and students in two way engagement.

The EUS looked in 1905 to alumni to support this latest endeavour of their alma mater and donors for support. Settlement buildings were often bought or leased through the donations of philanthropists and wealthy donors. This activity was part of the University of Edinburgh's commitment to bridging the town and gown divide as part of its social responsibility, enlightenment and civic mission. The buildings however, were not always in a good state of repair and repeated calls were made to donors and current students for support for their upkeep.

The Settlement was described by one benefactor in 1925 as 'one of the most admirable social instruments in the City of Edinburgh','since the war the students had come forwards and shown a quite remarkable degree of enthusiasm in helping to carry on the work which depended on a degree of voluntary effort'.' Garden parties, fetes and balls were regularly held to attract support and the letters page of the Scotsman newspaper included regular appeals from Grace Drysdale, EUS Warden for donations and gifts at Christmas time.

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