On 21 December 2025 we marked 30 years since Harmeny Education Trust was formed to take over the running of Harmeny School from Save the Children, who had set up and run the school since 1958.
This milestone offered a moment to reflect with gratitude and pride on three decades of delivering high-quality therapeutic care and education for children and young people.
To mark the occasion we gathered staff and volunteers from across three decades for some cake and our current and previous Chief Executives sent messages to our current staff sharing their reflections of their time at Harmeny.
Chair of Trustees, Jennifer Scott, poised to cut the cake with Steph Bestford, our longest serving staff member, and some of our current and former staff, trustees and volunteers.
A message from Gavin Calder, Chief Executive
Harmeny over the years
Since those early days, when we were able to support only primary-aged children Harmeny has grown and evolved significantly. Our residential provision has expanded to five cottages plus a semi-independent flat, and we have enriched our outdoor spaces, with the Community Garden becoming a much-loved centrepiece for play, relaxation and connection.
Our educational offering has also broadened, with formalisation of our outdoor education programme through a dedicated team and facilities. These were then developed further in 2023 with the creation of the Learning Hub and the introduction of secondary educational facilities, allowing young people to continue their education journey with us until 18.
The introduction of a specialist team of therapists plus Here4U, our transitions and keeping in touch service, all reflect our commitment to meeting the needs of those we support in a truly holistic way.
It’s the people who make Harmeny
Just as importantly, we have invested in the people who make Harmeny what it is, providing psychotherapist support and a dedicated team to support learning and development. This, along with the creation of our therapeutic framework, The Harmeny Way, helps us to strengthen our organisation and look confidently to the future.
As we celebrate our 30th birthday, we honour the children and young people who have been at the heart of Harmeny for the past 30 years, and the staff, volunteers and donors who have helped shape our story. We look forward to the next chapter with optimism and a continued determination to provide life-changing opportunities for our remarkable young people.
Sharing your memories
If you have memories of Harmeny that you would like to share please get in touch with Here4U by emailing Here4U@harmeny.org.uk or give us a call on 0131 449 3938.
