Two Forth Valley College Hospitality students will become high fliers thanks to the John Watson’s Trust.
The Trust – which makes grants and donations from the income of a fund which emerged from the sale of a school of the same name that is now the Gallery of Modern Art owned by the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh – has part funded the plane fares of Emma Hair (19) and Ciara Beaton (20) who recently secured internships with the Jumeriah International Group in Dubai.
Emma from Bannockburn – who has just completed her HNC Professional Cookery and Ciara who lives in Stirling – who has just finished her HND Hospitality Management – are delighted to receive this boost as they both begin their career journey.
James Hamilton, Admininistrator of the John Watson's Trust, said:
“Everyone at John Watson’s Trust was extremely impressed with Ciara and Emma’s determination to take on the challenge of placements overseas and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be involved with young individuals of such talent and drive. We wish them every good fortune and look forward to their future success.”
Pauline Barnaby, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, said:
“We can’t thank the John Watson’s Trust enough for their donation of £600 to help Emma and Ciara with their travel costs so they can embark on the opportunity of a lifetime in Dubai.”
Aiveen Cassidy, FVC’s Hospitality Operations Manager, said:
“This is a fantastic gesture from the John Watson’s Trust and – having worked closely with both these students over the last couple of years – am sure they will repay this kindness by making the most of this opportunity with the Jumeriah International Group and laying the foundations of an excellent career in the hospitality industry.”
The John Watson's Trust originated in 1762 when John Watson, an Edinburgh solicitor and Writer to the Signet, left the residue of his estate for charitable purposes for children in the Edinburgh area. The John Watson's Institution was borne, a hospital and home for children, which later became John Watson's School.
Between 1828 and 1975 the Institution and then School owned and occupied premises at Belford Road, which are now the Gallery of Modern Art. Following the School closure in 1975, the property was sold to the National Galleries of Scotland and the proceeds of sale were transferred to John Watson's Trust. The current trust arrangements were constituted by a statutory arrangement which came into force in 1984. The work in connections with making grants and donations from the income of the fund began soon after that.
John Watson's association with the WS Society continues to date. The Board of Trustees includes six members of the WS Society. The Governors of the Trust are the WS Society's Council members.
