As you drive up to Sunnyside Estate, there’s a name that instantly jumps out – Susan Carnegie.

The Susan Carnegie Boulevard leads the way into the development, but who exactly was Susan Carnegie and why is there a road named after her?

Visionary

Susan Carnegie was a visionary philanthropist who left a lasting mark on mental healthcare in Scotland.  Born into a wealthy family, she used her influence for the public good and worked to help the poor in Montrose.

Recognising the need for humane treatment of those with mental illness, Susan Carnegie championed a more progressive approach.

Born Susan Scott in the 1740s, she was a writer and benefactor who married George Carnegie in 1767. She then went on to play a crucial role in the founding of the Montrose Lunatic Asylum, Infirmary & Dispensary by actively lobbying the town council and secured funding for its construction on the town’s links in 1781.

Susan Carnegie: image from Angus Archive

If you’re interested in where it was located, there is little sign now – it was on the Montrose Links area bounded by Barrack Road, Ferry Road and Garrison Road. But it was the forebear of the new, improved facility, relocated to the lands of Sunnyside farm in 1858.

The opening of this facility marked a significant step forward in Scottish mental healthcare. Susan’s goal was to create a peaceful and helpful environment where patients could potentially recover and return to society.  She championed a more humane approach, believing in a scientific and compassionate attitude towards people with mental illness.

Social conscience

Susan’s social conscience extended beyond mental health, however. She was involved in poor relief efforts through the local church, even raising funds for the church itself. Recognising the need for financial empowerment, she founded the Montrose Female Friendly Society in 1808, a precursor to credit unions, to support women. Further demonstrating her foresight, she established a local savings bank in 1815.

Sadly, Susan did not live to see the magnificent buildings of Sunnyside as she died in 1821.

But her name lives on across Angus in testament to her lasting impact. In 1899, a dedicated building for private patients called Carnegie House was constructed within the Sunnyside complex – and indeed that same Carnegie House bears her name on the site to this day.

The Susan Carnegie Centre opened in 2011 at Stracathro Hospital. And of course the Susan Carnegie Boulevard serves as a permanent tribute to this remarkable woman, making sure her name – and her progressive approach – are not forgotten.