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Susan Carnegie (1743-1821) was a Scottish campaigner for poor relief who founded the first asylum in Scotland in 1781.

Biography
Date of birth: 7 August 1743.

Born in Edinburgh, Susan Scott, she was from a privileged background as daughter of landowner and Treasurer of the Bank of Scotland David Scott. A poet (writing under the pseudonym Juliette North) and artist, she was also fluent in French and Italian.

Married to George Carnegie with a family home at Charleton House near Montrose. Mother of 6 sons and 3 daughters.

Scotland's first asylum
Having studied moral philosophy and with an understanding of social and economic issues, Susan believed that doing good was sufficient within itself and need not be motivated by only Christian principles. She was motivated to use her skills and her position in society to make changes and improvements for local people in the area of Montrose. At this time people with mental health problems were imprisoned. Utilising her previous writing skills, she wrote anonymous pamphlets appealing for funding for a mental health hospital with the aim of providing support and treatment which would lead to patients being reintegrated into society. The fundraising sources included using her social connections to persuade wealthy people to donate, and the revenues from her husband's estate given at the time of her marriage. The asylum was completed in 1781 and became a model for others in Scotland and also in Sweden.

Other notable achievements
Founded the Montrose Female Friendly Society in 1808.

Established a savings bank for labouring classes in 1815, with the assistance of the Church.

Death
Susan died at Charleton, Montrose on 14 April 1821.

Category:Scottish women Category:Scottish philanthropists