Over the years the nature of the institution has changed and now there are no boarders. Instead, the Governors administer the funds to make grants to individual girls with Edinburgh connections to allow them to finish their education and broaden their experience. Sometimes this entails paying school fees; in other cases the Governors buy necessary equipment for a girl, such as a wheelchair, a computer or a musical instrument, which her family cannot afford.

Grassmarket Flats

There are eight flats, currently occupied, in the Grassmarket, gifted to the Governors in 1725. The original building, dating from 1662 was rebuilt in 1825. The annual income of the Trust is derived from the rent of these flats.