About Us

The Institution was founded in 1915 to help Scottish soldiers and sailors blinded in the 1914-1918 war. So successful was a public appeal for funding, Newington House in Edinburgh was purchased and became the first Scottish residence and training establishment for the war blinded.

Linburn House

A variety of trades were taught and many of the men set up businesses or moved on in to employment. A permanent workshop continued for those who wished to remain at Newington House.

With recurrence of hostilities in 1930 a new generation of war blinded personnel required care. Linburn House, a small estate some 10 miles from Edinburgh was purchased, and it was in July 1944 that the admission of residents began.

The estate was developed and now contains a housing complex, workshops and recreational facilities set in landscaped grounds. Linburn has been designed for ease of movement by the war blinded residents and the others who travel to the workshops.