History

After World War One Craigmillar Park, where all the services for the blind in Edinburgh were based became severely overcrowded. Funds were raised to open the Thomas Burns Home in Newington; this would provide accommodation for blind women. It gave them a safe environment to live and work for women who where either too frail or unable to care for themselves independently.

The home was opened in 1929 and housed women over the age of 18. Accommodation comprised of dormitories of 10, there was a workroom, a sick room, a couple of sitting rooms as well as kitchen and dining facilities. It provided a safe environment for those who were either too old or unable to look after themselves independently.

Over time many of the residents became older and frailer, there was a need for nursing care. In 1946 an eventide home called Oswald House opened and provided nursing care for blind women of all ages. This remained open until 1969 when all care was transferred to the Thomas Burns Home.

In 1969 changes were made to the Thomas Burns Home, the dormitories were abolished and smaller bedrooms which housed 3 - 4 residents replaced them. The sickroom was extended. Care became more residential and nursing orientated as opposed to being hostel based. Visitors were allowed to visit the residents’ bedrooms after 1972 and the first male resident was admitted in 1979.

By 1988 the home now catered for older people who required either Residential or Nursing care. The accommodation at Thomas Burns was becoming archaic and plans were made to open a new home.

Canaan Home in Morningside had 4 separate units of 18 beds; there was still a large communal dining room where all the residents could meet at mealtimes. The sickroom was technically outdated by now, however one wing catered specifically for the frailer residents – this was still known as the sickroom by other residents!

Due to legislative changes the Home did not meet the accommodation requirements set by the Social Work department. The decision was taken to build a new home which would contain single en suite rooms and Braeside House opened in 1999.