Students awarded scholarships to study in Perth

Three students have been awarded scholarships to support their studies at Perth College UHI.

The University of the Highlands and Islands has awarded Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust Scholarships to Anna Masson from Kinross to enable her to undertake a BSc (hons) in environmental science and to Rebecca Plenderleith (21) from Helensburgh to study for a BA (hons) in Scottish history and archaeology.

Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust donated £10,000 to the University’s Development Trust to fund the two scholarships, meaning Anna and Rebecca will receive £1,250 a year each for the four years of their degrees. Established in 1925, Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust provides grants and scholarships for research and education to support talented individuals in the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences.

Douglas Beaumont (18) from Stirling, meanwhile, was selected to receive the Lord Moray Scholarship. The scholarship has been developed to support a University of the Highlands and Islands student to study a conservation and environment related course. Douglas, who was chosen for his academic potential, will receive £1,250 a year to help him study for a BSc (Hons) in environmental science.

Douglas was delighted to be a recipient of a scholarship. He said: “The scholarship has helped to pay for study materials, technology and travel to and from Perth and has given me an outstanding feeling of determination.”

Rebecca Plenderleith said: “To be awarded this scholarship has been a real honour. It’s wonderful to know that there are people who believe in my potential. My passion for archaeology and history started when I was very young and my granddad would sit me down to watch programmes like Time Team then explain what an archaeologist does. Studying these subjects for a few short weeks has made me realise that I’ve made the right decision and I’m sure the Lord Leverhulme scholarship will greatly assist me in achieving my goals.”

“The university is exceptionally grateful for the generous support of donors like Lord Moray and Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust,” explained Professor Clive Mulholland, principal and vice-chancellor of the university. “Their assistance helps to ensure that talented students are given every chance to reach their potential. Students are at the heart of what we do and we want to support them to achieve as much as they can.”

Speaking about his support, Lord Moray said: “I am incredibly passionate about education and am delighted we have such a fantastic and dynamic university on our doorstep bringing learning to individuals wherever they are located. I would encourage others to support this type of initiative to ensure we retain our talent in the region.”

Both the Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust Scholarships and the Lord Moray Scholarship were available to people applying to study at any of the University of the Highlands and Islands 13 campuses. They were made possible thanks to donations to the University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust, a registered charity which raises money in support of the university and its students. The Trust launched Scotland’s first crowd-funded scholarship programme in September with the aim of encouraging and supporting local talent and securing the area’s future economy.