History of Viewpoint

Viewpoint was founded in 1947 in response to the post World War housing shortage. In those days women had very little domiciliary rights  and therefore were  particularly affected during this time.

The problems faced by single women in Edinburgh was recognised by the daughter of the local Manse, Miss Jane Cunningham. In response to the plight of homeless women, Miss Cunningham, then in her late 60’s, purchased a flat in Rutland Square, Edinburgh. She did this with the aid of a building society loan, chiefly through the assistance of her lawyer, George Cheyne of Mill, Mcleod and Rose. Miss Cunningham also let out part of her own flat as apartment-rooms to other single women. It was at this stage that Mr Cheyne suggested she should form a committee to manage the properties. The first committee, established in 1947, comprised of eight like-minded women. They were to call themselves Viewpoint Housing Society.

To quote Miss Cunningham (1947):

‘I keenly felt the trials of others unable to find homes and so became interested in planning a much needed housing project for the community’