A Scotswoman has been honoured overseas for her contribution to healthcare.

Carol Finlay, a former nurse and elder at St David’s Carrick Knowe Church in Edinburgh, has been recognised in Malawi, where a new classroom block has been named in her honour at the Ekwendeni College of Health Sciences.

Part of the University of Livingstonia’s College of Health Sciences, the nursing programme is one of the fastest growing in Malawi.

The plaque dedicated to Carol Finlay. (Image: Church of Scotland.)

Ms Finlay spent 10 years working in the country, where she established a general nursing course at the Ekwendeni School of Nursing.

She also worked with the Church of Scotland in a number of countries, including Pakistan, India and Malawi, between 1989 and 2025.

By the time she returned to Edinburgh, the school was staffed entirely by Malawian tutors and had continued to grow.

Ms Finlay said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the foundations of general nurse training at Ekwendeni.

“To have this classroom block named after me 25 years after leaving means a great deal, and it is wonderful to know my work is still remembered.

“It was a privilege to be at the start of something new and to see it grow and develop, not only during the 10 years I was in Malawi but in the 25 years since.

“I am proud to be part of the history and look forward with interest to the continued achievements of the College of Health Sciences as it strives to provide knowledge and skills to Malawi’s future nurses.”

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Lusayo Ghambi Mwagomba, principal of the College of Health Sciences, said: “The Ekwendeni College of Health Sciences board and trustees representing the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia have named a new classroom block in honour of Carol Finlay, who served at the college from 1991 to 2001.

“This is in appreciation of her work, dedication and support for the college.

“She invested in Ekwendeni’s future when we were still a dream.

“May every student trained here carry her spirit of compassion into Malawi hospital wards, the community and beyond.”