Duncraig Educational Trust Open For 2012 Applications

1st May 2012

The Duncraig Educational Trust is open now for funding applications for grants up to £1000.

Councillor Bill Fernie, chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee of Highland Council who also sat on the group making the awards said," The Duncraig Trust has already helped with funding for a wide range of young people and in 2012 the emphasis will be on young folk looking to improve their performances towards the Commonwelath Games but this will not preclude other areas completely so it is well worth looking at the criteria to see if you qualify to apply."

The Duncraig Educational Trust Scheme can offer financial assistance to young Highland people who can meet the essential criteria for the scheme. These are:-

For young people with an exceptional or unique talent
And who are between the ages of 16 - 25
And, who either attend or attended secondary school in the Highland Council area or whose parents or grandparents attended a Highland secondary school for a minimum of two years.

The funds are almost exclusively for pupils and former pupils of secondary schools in the Highland Council area.

Each year, however, up to 5% of the funds can potentially be allocated to young people of "Highland descent" who meet the essential criteria of the scheme. This means that at least one of your parents or parents or grandparents attended secondary school in the Highland Council area for a minimum of two years.

Awards of up to a maximum of £1000 (or 75% of eligible costs) are available. The eligible costs depend on the type of help you are applying for but can include, for example: -

Tuition/course fees if these are not available from other sources such as the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS)
Living expenses if you are living away from home
Travel costs if you are living at home and travelling to study
Costs of specialist sports coaching, attending training sessions or competing in events
Essential specialist equipment (based on the provision of at least one estimate)

For full details about the Duncraig Trusts and for applications form see the Highland Council web site at - www.highland.gov.uk/learninghere/grantsandallowances/trust.htm