Private Giving, Public Good: The Impact of Philanthropy at the University of Edinburgh

Founded in 1583 as the Tounis College, or Town’s College, the University of Edinburgh has a history stretching back more than 400 years. Now one of the world’s leading universities, with students from 140 countries currently studying at the university and staff who undertake research of international importance, Edinburgh has grown thanks in part to the generosity of hundreds of supporters over the years. Donations of money and property, books and works of art have helped the university to develop in many ways and gifts of time and expertise continue the theme of enabling the university to contribute to development on a global scale. This book looks at the stories behind some of the university’s supporters, and at how their generosity has enabled the development of one of the world’s greatest academic institutions.