St Andrews students to fund scholarship

STUDENTS are giving up their own money to fund a scholarship in what is thought to be the first scheme of its kind in Scotland.

About 70 "student ambassadors" at the University of St Andrews are donating 1,000 between them to support someone from a poorer background.

The initiative was praised by education secretary Mike Russell, on a visit to the university yesterday.

He said: "The student ambassador scheme is an excellent example of how our universities are making the connection with local schools and communities to promote the benefits and importance of higher education.

"I applaud the generosity shown by the students."

Ambassadors are either paid or volunteer to take part in projects including shadowing and mentoring school pupils.

The student selected for the scholarship will be given a wage throughout their term, in what is hoped will be an annual scheme.

Student Claire Johnston said: "Through the Ambassadors' Scholarship we hope to make a difference to the life of an individual and to the wider university community, which continues to give us so much."