Capital Projects

The Melville College Trust was established to honor the memory of former pupils of Melville College (formerly known as the Edinburgh Institution) who gave their lives in the two World Wars. Initially, the Trust’s funds were dedicated to establishing and maintaining a war memorial and providing bursary support for the families of these fallen pupils.

Over time, the Trust has grown thanks to the generosity of Former Pupils through donations and legacies. This growth has enabled the Trust’s role to evolve. Today, the focus lies on:

• Providing bursaries, allowing broader access to Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS).
• Awarding grants to support capital and extracurricular projects that otherwise would not receive funding.

Recent Capital Projects

The Trust has supported several significant projects, including:

• Renovation and installation of the old Ferryfield gates at Inverleith.
• Installation of cricket and rugby scoreboards at Inverleith.
• Installation of floodlighting at Inverleith.
• Renovation of the pavilion at Arboretum.

The renovation of the Pavilion at Arboretum was made possible through a substantial donation from the Melville College Trust. This project was part of the broader revitalisation of the grounds adjacent to Inverleith, benefiting the school, the Former Pupils (FP) Club, and the wider community. The upgraded facilities now serve a range of users, including St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School, Trinity Academy, Inverleith RFC, and Holy Cross Cricket Club.

The Trust viewed this project as a fitting tribute to honour the sacrifices made by so many who gave their lives in the two World Wars. Its completion, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, underscored the enduring legacy of those who served.