The Melville College Trust has a rich history of supporting education and commemorating the legacy of former pupils. Below is an overview of its evolution:
The Melville College Field Trust (1924–1927)
- Establishment: Between 1924 and 1925, a bazaar raised £5,700 to purchase 12 acres of land known as Ferryfield.
- Registration: The New Field Trust was registered on 21 October 1927.
- Land Acquisitions: Additional land was purchased in 1961 and 1981.
- Asset Transfer: In 1976, assets were transferred to the Merchant Company Education Board.
- Land Sales: Ferryfield land was sold in 1981 and 1987.
The Boarding House Trust (Post-World War I)
- Purpose: Established as a war memorial for former pupils who died in World War I.
- Registration: Registered on 22 December 1933.
- Acquisition: Purchased 12 Buckingham Terrace.
- Asset Transfer: Assets were later transferred to the Melville College Trust in 1976, now known as the Memorial Fund.
Melville College Trust (Established 1947)
- Purpose: Created as a memorial for those affected by World War II and to receive additional legacies.
- Support Areas: Assisted dependents of former pupils affected by the war, provided financial aid to Melville College, and supported boarding houses and playing fields.
- Administration: Managed several smaller funds, including the Alistair Leslie Memorial Fund and the Wight Rutherford Awards.
The Governors of Melville College Trust (1976)
- Formation: Established in 1976 by amalgamating assets from various trusts and funds, forming the Memorial Fund.
- Significant Legacies: Received substantial legacies from James Wight Rutherford in 1987 and Colin Young in 2000, leading to the creation of additional funds under the Melville College umbrella.
Melville College Trust (SCIO) (Established 2024)
- Modernization: In 2024, the Trust transitioned to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) to modernize governance and reflect current operations.
- Asset Transfer: All assets from the 1976 Trust were transferred to the SCIO, including the Wight Rutherford Fund, the Melville Memorial Fund, and the Colin Young Bequest Fund.