Alumni Services

A toast to the future

In August the Principal hosted a garden party for legacy pledgers in celebration of a shared commitment to the University.

Carlyle Circle members

A bronze statue of the first Chinese person to graduate from any European university, Dr Huang Kuan, greets visitors to Abden House. Set adjacent to Arthur’s Seat, the grounds of the period manor house are a spectacular venue for a garden party, particularly on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Carlyle's legacy

On the 23rd August amidst the relaxed score of a deft Jazz quartet, the focus shifted from the University’s past milestones onto developments to come, thanks to the generosity of those who have pledged a legacy gift to the University.

Those in attendance represented just a small fraction of the 1,350 members of the Carlyle Circle, named after Thomas Carlyle, historian, philosopher and University Rector from 1865 to 1868. One of our first great philanthropists, he had bequeathed to help “the young heroic soul struggling for what is highest” and in recognition of this, all legacy pledgers are invited to join the Carlyle Circle.

The Carlyle Circle is so very important for the University.

Professor Sir Timothy O'SheaPrincipal and Vice-Chancellor

Historical precedent

Carlyle Circle event

The Principal emphasised how legacies have played an important part in the University’s world-class standing. Over the centuries, the experiences and work of its students, teachers and researchers have been enriched by the kindness of those before them. Likewise, future generations will benefit greatly from the generous legacies left by current members of the Carlyle Circle.

Student support remains a favourite area for legacy gifts, whether through bursaries, scholarships or gifts to specific departments to aid teaching and fieldwork. Yet the library collections, research centres and capital projects are also popular areas to support.

A personal commitment

But behind every decision to leave a legacy to the University lies a personal story. For some, it is a way to recognise the invaluable education, the friendships formed and the life lessons gained as a student here. For others, the decision resulted from witnessing the University’s expertise in medical and veterinary care. What is true in each case is that the members of the Carlyle Circle are united by a shared interest in the valuable work of the University.

I pass a little of the encouragement once given to me on to another. If small acts can make big changes, I hope this is one such act and the changes it makes are great.

Dr Graeme Cruickshank

Further information

If you are considering leaving a gift to the University in your Will after taking care of loved ones, please contact Morag Murison.

Morag Murison

Head of Legacies and Planned Gifts

  • Development and Alumni

Contact details

Related links

Leaving a legacy