Group uncovers links to medical pioner while celebrating its 150th anniversary
Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) is supporting a campaign to erect a statue of medical pioneer Dr Elsie Inglis.
As part of events and activities to mark its 150th Anniversary, EVOC has been simultaneously uncovering its own heritage and the history of the campaigns for social welfare in Edinburgh.
Through this research, connections to Dr Elsie Inglis have been rediscovered and celebrated.
Dr Inglis set up female run hospitals during WW1 for allied soldiers throughout Europe and was the first woman to be awarded the Order of the White Eagle by the Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia.
In addition to her work in the medical profession, Elsie Inglis was also instrumental in the women’s suffrage movement which marks its centenary this year.
Joan Fraser, EVOC convener, said: “Elsie Inglis made an enormous contribution to the city of Edinburgh. Her work in establishing hospitals and improving the medical care of women is well known.
“However, perhaps less well known is her work with the charity sector in Edinburgh. She was a member of the governing council, Edinburgh Charity Organisation Society (ECOS) for almost ten years.
“On behalf of ECOS she organised lectures for health visitors and for mothers with the aim of reducing infant mortality in the city.
“ECOS exists today as the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council and this year we are celebrating 150 years of campaigning for social justice, fighting poverty and supporting the Third Sector in Edinburgh.
“In our 150th year we are delighted to support the campaign for a commemorative statue in honour of Elsie Inglis’ life and work.”
EVOC will lend its support to the campaign launched by The OneCity Trust to honour one of Edinburgh’s most prominent war heroes and address the imbalance of women commemorated in sculpture on the streets of the city.
A special website celebrating EVOC’s connection to Elsie Inglis and other prominent Edinburgh historical figures has been launched.
Visit here to uncover the history of the campaign for social justice in Edinburgh.
