The great and the good of Dundee, including the city’s famous marmalade and stamp makers, came together 200 years ago to establish the city’s first orphanage.
Records at Dundee City Archives show respected members of the community got together at a meeting held at the Old Steeple Church on February 9 1815 to discuss the growing need for an orphanage.
The goodwill of the local people and some generous individuals, including maker James Keiller and James Chalmers, culminated in the creation of the Dundee Orphan Society.
Now known as the Carolina House Trust, the group celebrated its bicentenary in the place where it all began.
The event was attended by directors and former residents, along with representatives of partner agencies, who gathered to hear the history.
Former resident Les Lumb spoke of his time at the orphanage in the 1950s and 1960s with his five siblings.
The founding of the Orphan Society in 1815 was innovative for the time it was one of the first charities dedicated to helping children in Scotland, and despite the fluctuating fortunes of the City of Discovery, the charity has remained committed to offering thousands of children the stable environment every young person deserves.
Speaking at the event, Stephen Clark, acting director of operations for Carolina House Trust, said: “The charity has such a rich history.
“The 200th anniversary of the first meeting provides an occasion to celebrate the charity’s achievements and reflect on their modest beginnings.
“To mark this significant date in our history we have organised a community event that will include a presentation about the history of Carolina House Trust. A former resident, present foster carer and a current service user will also be on hand to share their experiences of the charity.”
The event was the first in a series organised to mark the charity’s bicentenary.
Vikki Merrilees, the trust’s marketing and recruitment officer, said: “This is a monumental year for Carolina House Trust, we have a calendar of events planned, including an exhibition at the McManus Galleries, creating time capsules with the young people and a dinner dance in September.”