The YMCA was founded in 1844 in London and since then has grown to become a global youth work organisation operating in 124 countries. From its inception it spread rapidly through Scotland with 62 associations established by 1876.
Throughout the war years YMCA became well known for supporting families and those returning home from the front. In addition the British movement ran over 10,000 centres offering comfort, postal services and support to soldiers in the trenches during WW1.
Since the mid 1900s there has been much development of YMCA's work across Scotland in tandem with a more sophisticated approach from government to work with young people.
This development included a growing expertise and capacity for the YMCA to develop best practice work in a number of fields including working with families, providing accommodation and support services, work with churches, with minority groups and with challenging young people.
These past years have shaped the YMCA in Scotland as we see it today with the faithful service and investments of wise stewards establishing a sustainability and a permanence to our work that looks forward to another 150 years.
Today YMCA serves children, young people and families in need through a network of 37 organisations from Stornoway to Stranraer, from the Scottish Borders to the Isle of Skye.