Community directory

Royal Scottish Corporation, The

The Royal Scottish Corporation is a charity which helps Scots in London suffering hardship or seeking to rebuild or improve their lives.

Anyone born in Scotland (ScotsCare), or with a Scots-born parent, or the widow of a spouse born in Scotland and in need within 35 miles of Charing Cross in London is eligible for help irrespective of religion, colour, age, gender, sexual orientation or personal history.

They provide a wide range of support. For example, they help students with grants, elderly or disabled with sheltered housing, elderly or people with disablilities with weekly allowances. Help to gain access to employment will also be available for London based Scots of working age. Grants can be made for items of essential household equipment for people who are elderly or disabled. Volunteers provide a visiting service.

The Corporation traces its origin back to the Crown in 1603. Scots who prospered in London when King James VI of Scotland was crowned King James the I of England helped their countrymen who fared badly. They put donations in the "Scots box", which is dated 1611 and is displayed at the corporation's headquaters. More than a million Scots have been helped over the past four centuries.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.

Date of AGM: St Andrews Day.

Publications: Scotsvoice, published quarterly.

Registered charity number 207326