Archibald & Isabella Barr Memorial, SC006001      Registered charity from 07 August 1920

Westerton of Mugdock, near Milngavie was the family home of

Archibald and Isabella Barr.

 

They gifted their house, buildings and grounds for the purpose of setting up a

children’s home. A committee was formed and it established

The Scottish Convalescent Home for Sick Children (Isabella Barr Memorial)

which later became known as The Mugdock Children’s Home. The house

became ‘home’ to children who were physically fit but suffered from

homelessness, cruelty, neglect or emotional problems.

 

Up to forty children could be accommodated at any one time and hundreds,

aged two to twelve years, benefitted from the care, support and happy days

they spent at Mugdock. The caring staff, support from the local community, churches,

schooling at Strathblane Primary School, donations of time, gifts, outings and

parties and the wonderful support from the crew of the Royal Navy submarine

“Resolution” resulted in a happy, safe environment for children who were in need of care.

 

In the late 1970s social work policy considered that children would benefit more if they were fostered in family units, thus the number of children coming to the home decreased. The Board of Directors agreed that the future of the home was not viable and with much regret decided it must be closed. In 1980 the home closed, the entire property was sold in 1982, and the Directors set up “The Mugdock Children’s Trust” with the proceeds. Management of the Mugdock Childrens Trust was finalised in September 1981. The Trustees are responsible for the distribution of funds and governance of the Trust.