Donaldson's College

Donaldson's College, in Edinburgh is Scotland's national school for the deaf, dedicated to teaching deaf students and those suffering from other language impairments.

Additional recommended knowledge

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

Daily Visual Balance Check

Donaldson's College was founded in 1851 as Donaldson's Hospital by Sir James Donaldson (1751 - 1830). The original benefaction allowed for special bursaries for poor children bearing the name Donaldson. Not all were deaf, although applications on behalf of deaf children were encouraged. From 1938 pupils were exclusively deaf. This benefaction was similar in style to the benefaction of George Watson, who founded and supported other schools in the city.

Queen Victoria is said to have been jealous of the building, claiming that it outclassed some of her palaces.

In 1916, during a German air raid, much glass was destroyed by a zeppelin.

In 2003, under financial pressures, the school's landmark William Henry Playfair building at West Coates was put up for sale, and was purchased by property developer Cala Homes. It is expected that the school will retain use of the building until new premises in Linlithgow are ready, circa 2007.