| Administrative History | Aberdeen Blind Asylum was founded in 1843 with a bequest of £7,000 from Miss Christina Cruickshank. The Asylum was established for blind children born in Aberdeenshire, Banffshire or Kincardineshire, and accommodated 100 people. It educated them to a trade, and then provided workshops for trades to be practised. Children boarded at the asylum up to a certain age, then were boarded out at suitable lodgings but continued to attend the asylum for work and training. The premises were at Huntly Street, Aberdeen, and the work included basket-weaving, mattress-making, jute work and upholstery. It was already well established when in 1889 its management was changed and the board of managers was replaced by a Board of Governors. The clerk and treasurer at that time was John Whyte, advocate (at Davidson and Garden). He resigned in May 1893 and was replaced by a colleague, David M.M. Milligan. The first ladies were appointed to the Board in 1890, in order to advise the Matron. |