Edinburgh charity celebrates 25 years of Scottish love in action

A charity established by an Edinburgh church that has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of vulnerable children in India is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

- by Ian Swanson

Scottish Love in Action (SLA) has raised more than £8 million over the past two and a half decades to help partner organisations ensure they get the necessary education, care, life skills and support they need to flourish.

The charity was launched by Greenbank Church, Morningside, in 2000 after 23 people from its QII youth group visited Tuni, a town in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

They encountered children living in deep poverty but showing immense strength and resilience and were profoundly moved by the experience.

On her return home to Edinburgh, group leader Gillie Davidson, a palliative care nurse, was spurred into action to try and make a lasting difference to their lives.

SLA established the Light of Love Home and School in Tuni and it quickly became a place of safety and opportunity for hundreds of children, providing shelter, food, healthcare, and education.

The name, Scottish Love In Action, was suggested by Indian partner, Dr Premdas, who said: "This is not just charity - it's Scottish love in action."