History

Origins

Trefoil’s origins lie in an initiative by a group of Girl Guides in St Abbs at the outbreak of World War II to help a group of “special evacuees” from Edinburgh. These were in the language of the times “physically handicapped” children for whom no provision had been made. The volunteers initially provided a home at Northfield House, St Abbs Head, and care for about 20 children aged 6-16.

Soon afterwards the “Trefoil School”, as it became known, moved to Cowdenknowes in the Scottish Borders. Very few of the children were accustomed to the classroom as their experience of school was limited, as was the case with the volunteer teachers. The ethos was to provide as normal a life as possible. Practical skills were taught as part of the syllabus as way of developing those children with learning difficulties and encouraging a sense of achievement, an aim that Trefoil supports to this day. Following inspection by the Scottish Education Department the first fully accredited teacher was appointed.

1944

Image of Princess Margaret visiting Trefoil School November 1966

By 1944, most of the children who had come to Trefoil had gone back home, but Trefoil's importance as a school was clear. The school became known for helping kids far beyond Edinburgh. They named it "Trefoil School" to honour the Girl Guides who started it and kept supporting it. They chose the motto "Undaunted" and made a logo with a trefoil shape.

In 1945, the school moved temporarily to Polkemmet House in Whitburn. By 1948, the school’s leaders found a better place, and after two years of raising money, they bought Kirklands House and its surrounding land in Gogarburn near Edinburgh. They moved the school there in 1951. This gave kids lots of space to play and enjoy themselves. They even rented a field to the Guides for camping trips.

Trefoil School kept growing. They were known for how well they helped children with special needs develop in every way. People admired their way of doing things in Scotland and in other countries too. They had many loyal volunteers and supporters, starting in Edinburgh and spreading all across Scotland.

1970s

But big changes were coming. In the 1970s, new rules said local governments had to take care of children with special needs. They wanted these kids to stay in their own neighbourhoods, so Trefoil lost most of its money fast.

They decided to use the house and land in a new way. In 1976, they opened the Trefoil Holiday Centre. Here, kids who didn't have a lot of money could go on affordable vacations. The staff knew how to take care of them well. But as time went on, new laws about care made things hard for Trefoil, and fewer kids came.

They couldn't turn Kirklands House into a care home because it cost too much money. Keeping the house and land in good shape became a big problem.

2000s

Image of Scotland Disability Sport event in 2021

In 2002, the Trustees decided to stop running services directly and rented out Kirklands House to the City of Edinburgh Council for elderly care. Rent from the Council helped Trefoil keep achieving its charitable purpose. Trefoil used the rent money to give grants for holidays and personal growth to young people who needed it. They also gave money to other charities that help similar people. These grants are still the main way Trefoil helps today.

The Council stayed at Kirklands House until 2007. Trefoil sold some more land for building in the area. Then the Trustees tried to rent or sell Kirklands House and the rest of the land. But in 2010, the big financial crash happened, stopping the sell of the property. Trustees talked with St Columba’s Hospice, and the Hospice rented Kirklands House until 2014.

When the Hospice left, they tried to rent or sell again. In September 2015, Trefoil sold Kirklands House and the land. All money from the sale was reinvested, giving the charity a fund for grant making. The Trustees also changed how they give grants. Trustees decided to pause holiday grants and redirect their funds to better serve those who needed help in their organisational and personal development grants. Trefoil reopened their holiday grants again in 2016.

Trefoil is proud to have had Queen Elizabeth II as a royal supporter until she passed in 2022.

Trefoil is still ‘Undaunted’ and true to its founding principles. The Trust continues to support children and young people with support needs in order to help them reach their full potential. You can see more about what we do on Our Impact and Our Stories pages. If you want to help, you can donate by clicking here.