The 1920s and the Second World War
The need for additional hostel places continued to grow. By 1923/4 funding for two further buildings became available and work started in October 1925.
Following the death of A K Robertson, Frank Wood completed the architectural work. He also designed much of the hostel furniture and light fitments. He was later responsible for the design of the Moray House Demonstration School at Holyrood. These additional hostels were finished in 1927/1928 completing the south side of the large grass quadrangle. They housed 120 students and also incorporated an administrative block. The total cost was £64,5000. The hostels were named Carlyle and Darroch.
Carlyle and Darroch hostels
Carlyle and Darroch each had a common room and library together with smaller music rooms. There was a large shared dining hall with associated kitchens. Central heating was also installed at this time.
In 1927/8 the charge for a student’s Board and Residence was £50 for the three terms of the academic year ‘not including personal laundry’.
Sir John Gilmour, Secretary of State for Scotland, opened these two new hostels on 2nd June 1928.
A 1929 report records:
" It (East Suffolk Road Hostels) is unique in character, and unique in setting. No similar scheme existing in Scotland, and few groups of women students’ residencies in England can show such well arranged buildings or more ample recreation grounds."
After Miss McKnight’s sudden death in 1929 past students and friends established the McKnight library in her memory. This was situated in the central administration block between Carlyle and Darroch hostels.
Miss Elizabeth Looker was appointed as successor Principal Warden. The 1930s were a difficult time for the hostels because of teacher unemployment and for a period the hostels had vacant rooms.
The Second World War
Within 48 hours of the declaration of War in 1939 the War Department had taken over the hostels and grounds. The facilities were initially used by the officers of the Internment Camp and subsequently by the ATS. Windows were ‘blacked out’ with blue paint and most of the furniture put in store by C & J Brown.
In September 1945 the hostels were returned to the Association and reopened in October with 260 students in residence. The re-commissioning was a challenging time, with an army of maids and other helpers unpacking van-loads of items from store.
Follow the link below to read part of an interview with Warden Elizabeth Carrick about her recollections of the hostels.
