Isabella Ure Elder (15 March 1828 – 18 November 1905) was a Scottish philanthropist who took a particular interest in education, especially of women, and in the welfare of the people of Govan in Glasgow.

[2] Following her husband's death, Elder became the sole owner of the business and ran it successfully for nine months until it was transferred to a partnership led by her brother.

[1][2] As a wealthy widow with no children, she toured the Continent for extended periods and became a major philanthropist in Glasgow.

[3][4] During her widowhood, Elder lived at 6 Claremont Terrace, next to Kelvingrove Park and close to the University of Glasgow in which she took a keen interest.

Also in 1885, she set up a School for Domestic Economy where young women learned how to cook and perform other household tasks on a limited budget.

Her death certificate was signed by Dr Marion Gilchrist, the first woman to graduate in medicine in Glasgow.

Her will left more than £125,000 for charitable purposes including the Ure Elder Fund for Indigent Widows of Govan and Glasgow.

The sculptor was Glasgow graduate Archibald Macfarlane Shannan (1850–1915) and the £2,000 cost was raised by public subscription, much of it from the ordinary people of Govan who held her in high regard.

[14] The life and work of Isabella Elder was examined as part of the Govan’s Hidden Histories project, and she also has her own Facebook Page in 2018.