Scholarships

The Society supports travel and research scholarships through various trusts and associated bodies.

The Nuffield Food Chain Scholarships offer successful applicants the chance to study key aspects along the length of the food chain, from genetics, through production, processing and retailing to the consumer's plate.  Anyone working within the food chain, under the age of 45, can apply.  RHASS, jointly, sponsors one of these Food Chain Scholarships each year, specifically funding a scholar from Scotland.

The Sir William Young Award was established in 1983 to commemorate the service to Scotland of Sir William Young, and in particular his interest in the breeding of livestock.   The award is made to the person or persons who have made “an outstanding contribution to livestock breeding in Scotland”.  The decision is taken by the Executive Committee of The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

Roy Watherston Memorial Trust (RWMT) scholars are candidates who have a genuinely keen interest in furthering their career within Scottish agriculture.  Scholars are supported to study agriculture either in the UK or abroad.  Past recipients have been sponsored to attend the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conferences in Canada and New Zealand. The next RASC Conference will be held in Edinburgh in July 2010. Email Candy Jones, HR Manager, for further information on how to apply.

The RHASS normally sponsors a delegate each year to attend the annual Oxford Farming Conference.  The Chairman of the SAYFC normally represents the Society at this interesting and high profile event.

The National Equine Forum, held annually in London, is normally represented by the Society.   Each year the programme is determined by topical issues with ample opportunity being afforded for questions, contributions and discussion from the floor.

The Society continues to support one of its main charitable objectives through funding towards the Royal Highland Education Trust.  In 2009, the Society awarded in excess of £160,000 towards the Trust showing further support towards "taking the classroom to the countryside".  One in five schoolchildren (5-16yrs) in Scotland have now had contact with RHET either through visiting a farm, or by having a classroom speaker (a farmer) in school, or by participating in activities within the Childrens' Discovery Centre at the Royal Highland Show.  The content of RHET projects are carried out in line with the Curriculum for Excellence.

The Society also delivers its educational objectives through supporting the veterinary schools, both the Royal (Dick) Vet and Glasgow Veterinary School, by awarding £30,000 to each towards the development of their teaching facilities. 

Breed societies are encouraged to host their International Congress in Scotland and the Society recognises this by making a financial contribution towards these important meetings. 

There are also a wide range of awards which the Society's Board of Directors decide to make from time to time and these can be viewed within the Society's Annual Report. 

The Society also makes recommendations for industry awards to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry.

For further information on any of the Society's awards and activities, please contact us.