In 1772, soon after she came into her fortune following the death of her husband, Lady Glenorchy decided to found a chapel in Edinburgh with the intention of being in communion with the Church of Scotland. The chapel was intended to serve as an independent place of worship for those, particularly the poor, who could not be accommodated within the existing parish church buildings.
Around 1772, following her husband's death and the acquisition of her wealth, Lady Glenorchy decided to build a chapel in Edinburgh as part of the Church of Scotland. The chapel was intended for those who couldn't find space in the local parish churches, particularly the less fortunate.