St Margaret's Shelter for Girls
In 1920, the Edinburgh Rescue Shelter was opened at 18 Dean Terrace, Edinburgh, and by 1933 it was known as the St Margaret’s Shelter for Girls1. In their third annual report, 1923, they mention the ‘help and co-operation they receive from Miss Stagg of the National Vigilance Association’ to run a Shelter for 18 girls with four workers. In 1935, St Margaret’s purchased a hostel for longer-term care at Saxe-Coburg Place which opened the following year under Superintendent Miss Marguerite Hamilton2. In 1939, the Wartime financial situation demanded the closure of the hostel and the relocation of the shelter from Dean Terrace to Saxe-Coburg Place3. In 1941, one of the most frequent sources of referrals was the National Vigilance Association, with about 10% of girls being sent from the NVA4. In 1950, the Shelter closed for one year due to financial difficulties and re-opened thanks to a private grant from the Lord Provost, Sir Andrew Murray. This also prompted the shelter to change its name to St Margaret’s Home, and begin offering girls a far longer period of care. The Home closed in 1980 following a decision by the local authority, despite strong funding and a sit-in protest by staff and ex-staff5.
Miss Ethelwyn C Moss was the matron in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1933, Miss Duncan from the Edinburgh Mothers and Babies Home joins as House-Matron.
1. St Margaret’s Shelter Annual Report 1923, 1933.
2. St Margaret’s Shelter Annual Report 1935.
3. St Margaret’s Shelter Annual Report 1939
4. St Margaret’s Shelter Annual Report 1941
5. St Margaret’s Shelter Annual Report 1980