Donaldson's is Scotland's national school for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties.
Our History
Donaldson's has been located in Linlithgow since the new campus opened in 2008. However, Donaldson's journey began more than a century before this...
Originally situated in the heart of Edinburgh's west end, Donaldson's was designed by William Playfair funded with money from the estate of James Donaldson, the Printer.
Once this magnificent building was complete it opened in 1850 as a hospital for destitute and vulnerable children. In 1856 it was agreed by the governors that deaf children should not be excluded and subsequently Donaldson's developed into a resource predominately for children who are deaf, although hearing children were always accepted. The use of British Sign Language has always been promoted at Donaldson's.
Donaldson's has only changed usage once in it's history when during the Second World War it became the 20th prisoner of war camp in Edinburgh and the school housed both German and Italian prisoners!
Donaldson's has a very long and proud history and we have retained all records and artefacts. In the future we hope to be able to fund a virtual deaf museum so that we can share our history with everyone.
For more information on Donaldson's history you can download a document on Donaldson's History using the links provided.
- 01506 841900
- Textphone/Minicom 01506 841902
- Donaldson's, Preston Road,
Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6HZ
Donaldson's (Governors of Donaldson Trust) is a registered charity (SC017417)
Donaldson's is a Grant Aided Special School supported by the Scottish Government
