Scots students land prize scholarships

THREE young Scots have been awarded scholarships by the Roy Watherston Memorial Trust which will enable one to travel to the USA and the other two to attend the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth conference which takes in Scotland later this month.

Travelling to California is Jayne-Lee Emery of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, who will visit the Willow Pond Ranch to study how the use of equine assisted therapy affects the self-esteem of children who have been abused or neglected.

Emery intends studying through June, July and August. She already has a conditional place at Aberystwyth University to study for a BSc in equine and human sports science.

Anna Playfair-Hannay, of Morebattle Tofts, Kelso, has been selected to attend the RASC Conference and pre-conference and post tours around Scotland. The full programme starts on 21 June and runs through to 6 July, including the "Co-operation and Collaboration" themed conference in Edinburgh on 28-30 June.

She is currently studying for a BSc in agri-business management at Newcastle University.

Heather Charles, of Rothienorman, Inverurie, who works as an administrative officer for animal health with Defra, has been selected to attend the forthcoming RASC conference.

Roy Watherston Memorial Trust Awards, which are administered by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are available to young Scots under 30. The travel and study scholarships present a unique opportunity for broadening horizons, improving knowledge and stimulating personal development.

The trust was established to commemorate the life, work and achievements of the late farmer Roy Watherston, of Crichton Mains, Ford, Midlothian.