A look back at ERI in the past

DETAILS of how nurses at the city’s main hospital spent Christmas Day more than a century ago have emerged.

The Lothian Health Services Archive has found notes and photographs of celebrations at the ERI from 1879 onwards.

When the facility moved to Lauriston Place, nurses would gather for prayers in the main hall before gathering to sing hymns and carols for the benefit of patients.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “A piano was placed between wards and the nurses sang around several different locations so that all the patients could hear.”