The Thistle Foundation, and the Robin Chapel: A Unique Response to WW2

As keen Thistle Foundation amateur historians and colleagues, Jim Riley and Brian Brown have devoted over 20 years of study to this fascinating and unique place. This November, discover how the Foundation started in 1944 as a response to WW2 and as a gesture of care for those returning from military service and their families, and learn about the incredibly personal tragedy of Robin Tudsbury, bodyguard to the future Queen Elizabeth II, that led to the building of the Robin Chapel. That this groundbreaking scheme was sited in Craigmillar should be a source of local pride and passion; a purpose-built community designed to allow the returning heroes to live independently with their families was progressive, pragmatic, and positive, the Foundation continues that mission, ethos, and veteran links through to today, and beyond.

This inspiring story of constructive kindness transformed into social action will be told by Brian and Jim, and heavily illustrated with material from the Thistle Foundation’s extensive and wonderful archive, such as maps, photographs, including of George VI and Robin Tudsbury, which was presented to her Majesty on her visit in 2013, and audio, including of the Foundation’s opening ceremony including the then Queen Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) and Thistle founder Sir Francis Tudsbery.

 “In my 20 years at Thistle, Sir Francis and the spirit of his vision has always been my inspiration; in my daily work at Thistle, I try and bring kindness and compassion with applied intelligence, which feels like the spirit of Thistle at its best.” - Jim Riley