Looking Back: New Role For ‘People’s Palace’

From April 1964

NEW ROLE FOR ‘PEOPLE’S PALACE’

‘Social Service Experiment’

Edinburgh’s People’s Palace in the Cowgate, traditional refuge for the city’s hungry and lonely people for nearly 900 years, is to be re-organised to bring it more into line with present-day needs.

The Church’s Social and Moral Welfare Board is planning to set up a ‘day nursery’ for old people where families can leave their old folk while they are out at work all day. It is hoped to cater for about 30 people per day. In co-operation with other organisations and the local authority it is planned to provide all-day care and social activities as well as a meal.

A resident superintendent with youth leadership and club qualification will live in a flat on the premises.

The re-organised Palace will serve as a rehabilitation centre in the fullest sense and cover a wide range of age-groups.

A youth club will be planned as a joint venture by the central group of churches in the area, including Chalmers-Lauriston, whose minister, the Rev. Donald Davidson, is Convenor of the Committee of Management of the People’s Palace. The group also includes Greyfriars and Tolbooth Highland-St John’s.

The Social and Moral Welfare Committee has also announced the provision of a hostel for girls at 38 Greenhill Gardens – formerly Deaconess House.

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