Donaldson's School for The Deaf

This Grade A listed building, designed by William Henry Playfair, was founded in Edinburgh in 1851 as Donaldson's Hospital by Sir James Donaldson (1751-1830). The original benefaction allowed for special bursaries for poor children and applications on behalf of deaf children were particularly encouraged. Since 1938, pupils have been exclusively deaf. With the re-siting of the school with a new build at a former industrial site in Linlithgow in January 2008, the intention is to convert this magnificent building into apartments and build new housing to the rear of the site. Queen Victoria is said to have been jealous of the landmark building, apparently stating that it outclassed some of her palaces!