Moray roots being traced by Scotland’s biggest children’s charity
Scotland’s biggest children’s charity will return to its Speyside roots its 150th anniversary next year.
Aberlour, named after the Moray town where its work began, has supported thousands of young Scots since the Reverend Charles Jupp opened an orphanage in 1875.
SallyAnn Kelly, Aberlour’s chief executive, said: “We might do things differently today than 150 years ago but our mission and determination to protect and care for children in need is unchanged.
“Next year will be a significant milestone for our charity. How our journey began in Aberlour led us to where we are today and will guide us into tomorrow.”
The charity is also, however, determined to acknowledge a darker chapter in its history during the anniversary.
In 2020, the third phase of the Scottish Child Abuse inquiry concluded children cared for at the orphanage and other homes run by Aberlour, had suffered physical, emotional and sexual abuse between 1921 and 1991.
The charity offered an unreserved apology to victims at the time.
Ms Kelly added: “Our charity has much to be proud of and while our anniversary will celebrate that, it must also properly recognise the children we failed.It would be dishonest not to.
“Only a clear-eyed understanding of our past will ensure we build a safe and secure future for our charity and the children we care for.
“Children who spent time at the orphanage and our other homes and staff who worked there will have many memories.
“Most, we hope, will be happy and inspiring, others may be sadder and more troubling, but this anniversary is an opportunity to remember all of them.”
Generations of children were raised in the Aberlour orphanage in the first half of the last century before it decided that residential care is better delivered in smaller houses.
The charity is being advised by local historians on how best to mark its origins.
Discussions are also underway about possible events, including an exhibition of photographs charting the charity’s story and a heritage tour visiting significant landmarks.
Jupp’s work, supported by heiress and philanthropist Margaret Macpherson Grant, began with just four boys being cared for in a cottage by the Lour Burn before the orphanage opened seven years later.
The orphanage, extensively rebuilt after two serious fires in the 1930s, closed in 1967 with Speyside High School being built on the site.
The charity wants to hear the memories of people who lived or worked at the orphanage. Contact sarah.mcnaught@aberlour.org.uk
