Shortly before her death in 1984, Dr Esslemont had worked with Soroptimist International Aberdeen Club — which she had joined in 1940 — to set up the Aberdeen Soroptimist Housing Society for the purpose of converting Mile End House into flats for social housing for women over 60.

Now full responsibility for the original one-bedroom flats and other homes within the Beechgrove Terrace development has passed to Osprey Housing Group following a transfer of engagements (ToE).

To mark the transfer — and to celebrate the centenary of Soroptimist International — Osprey Housing CEO Glenn Adcook and newly co-opted Osprey board member Alison Mitchell planted the Joseph Rock rowan tree close to Mile End House.

Alison Mitchell was chairman of the small social landlord’s volunteer committee until completion of the Osprey transfer.

She said: “Soroptimists International  Aberdeen Club felt it appropriate to create a living legacy to mark the society’s work between 1983 and now, as well as Dr Esslemont’s generosity, especially in the global organisation’s centenary year.”

Mr Adcook added: “Planting this tree is the perfect way to celebrate the end of one era and the dawn of the next for Aberdeen Soroptimist Housing Society’s tenants.

“The tenants gave the transfer of engagements their full support and Osprey will now be accelerating capital works across the development.”

The Beechgrove Terrace site comprises the original Mile End House flats together with two larger purpose-built blocks — Mary Esslemont House and Elizabeth Henry House — totalling 14 one-bedroom flats. There is also a new build bungalow accessible for tenants with physical disabilities and large enough to accommodate a carer.

The ToE is understood to be the first in Scotland undertaken through ‘written agreement’ because the small number of properties and tenants involved did not necessitate a formal ballot. Tenants — who formally became Osprey tenants on November 1 — had access to independent advice and support throughout the process.

Osprey had been providing management services to the Society for more than 12 years and completed the full ToE on November 1. The Society’s board had recommended the move to secure the future of both the properties and tenancies.

Mr Adcook, who retires as Osprey CEO next month, said: “We have had a long-standing and very successful relationship with the Society, and we are delighted the tenants decided to join Osprey Housing.”

Aberdeen-born Dr Esslemont’s work as a GP, gynaecologist, and philanthropist is commemorated in a mural in the city’s Flourmill Lane celebrating some of the ‘everyday heroes’ who have made a difference. Among her many achievements, she was the only woman member of the British Medical Association committee which negotiated with Aneurin Bevan to develop the National Health Service. She was made a CBE in 1955, and was the first woman to sit on the University of Aberdeen’s court, serving from 1947-1974. She was also installed as a Freeman of Aberdeen City in 1955 and became Soroptimist International Federation President in 1961.