[1] She was raised in Glasgow[2] to parents Mary (born Mackenzie) and John Clugston.

Her father was an accountant who in time would own John Clugston & Co. (Bleachers) in south-east Glasgow.

[3][4][5] The Dorcas Society would make sure that those leaving hospital had sufficient clothes and they would also give them some money to help see them through their recovery.

She raised money for the Samaritan Society of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow's Sick Children's Hospital and the local Magdalene Institution.

[2] In 1871 she ran an event at the City Hall and her supporters included Princess Louise, the duke and duchess of Argyll, the duke and duchess of Roxburghe making up twenty titled attendees.