Bursaries

Border Union Bicentenary Bursary

The Border Union Bicentenary Bursary Fund offers financial support to people with drive and ambition who seek to advance their careers (or start a new career) in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, country sports, the food sector, conservation, rural crafts, equestrianism, rural leisure, fish farming, environment, renewable sources of energy, and all aspects of the rural economy of the Borders and North Northumberland.

It was set up to commemorate the Bicentenary of the Society in 2013. It is expected to reach £160,000 after generous support from landed estates, trusts, companies and individuals.

Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring that the support given to successful applicants will ultimately contribute to the benefit of the rural economy of the area. This reflects the main objective laid down by the founders of the Society in 1813, that of ‘encouraging improvement’.

The Panel will meet quarterly to consider applications for funding.

Who can apply?

Do you have drive and ambition?
Have you identified a learning opportunity which a course or study trip could enhance your career?
Would you like to start a new career or business which will benefit the rural Borders economy?
Are you finding it difficult to get funding for personal development?

The Border Union Bicentenary Bursary Fund may be able to help you. It offers support to people within the rural community of the Borders and North Northumberland. Successful applicants will ultimately contribute to the benefit of the rural economy of the area. This reflects the main objective laid down by the founders of the Society in 1813, that of ‘Encouraging Improvement’.

Bursary Funding Downloads

Bursary Application Form

8KB

Bursary Terms and Conditions

128KB

Bursary End of Year Report - 30th September 2023

194KB

Bursary End of Year Report - 30th September 2022

181KB

Bursary End of Year Report - 30th September 2021

186KB

Bursary Award 5 Years On

566KB

FAQs

Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions.

Who is on the Panel?

The panel is made up of:

When can applications be submitted?

Applications may be submitted at any time but will only be assessed in January,
April, July and October. Applications must therefore be received by 5.00pm on 31st
December, 31st March, 30th June and 30
th September respectively.

Who are the previous recipients of the Bursary?

2023

Francesca Castle – support towards qualification under the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishings (AMUSF)
Trevor Jackson – support for the Rural Leadership programme
Connie Rafferty – support for extra-mural studies in qualifying as a vet under the RCVS
Lauren Todd – support for a SAYFC Agri Affairs Study Tour to Canada

2022

Rory Pyper, to continue the study of apple cultivation and orcharding

2021

Rory Pyper, to study apple cultivation and orcharding
Anne Mair-Chapman, to achieve certification in Countryside Education
Tom Jackson, to attend the Worshipful Company of Farmers Agri-Business course
Gemma Ramsey, to achieve qualification in counselling

2020

Emma Bradbury, to attend the International Congress & Expo on Agriculture and Horticulture in Georgia (USA) (August 2020)
Elin Lambie, to attend the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth’s conference in Norfolk (June 2020)
Shauna Murdie, to support costs of completing an online Advanced Certificate in Agribusiness under ACS Distance Education

2019

Stuart Fuller-Shapcott – to undertake professional development training in Event & Crowd Management;
James Hunt – to attend the 2019 NASCO international conference on Atlantic Salmon, in Norway;
Ross Montague – to study the value and role of podcasts in the Borders economy;
Danielle McKinnon – to undertake further training and qualification as an assessor in riding and equine management in connection with her work with underprivileged young people.