Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm has awarded five Caithness high school leavers with scholarships to support further studies in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) as part of the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Education & Training Fund.
The scholarships, administered through independent charity Foundation Scotland, mark the second year of the fund, which will provide a total of £16,000 to local students over four years.
The students from Thurso and Farr high schools each received £1000 to support them during their time at university.
Graduating from Thurso High School, Ashleigh Coghill is using the scholarship to fund her move to Edinburgh to study Actuarial Science at Heriott Watt University - the only university in Scotland to offer this course. Fellow former pupil, Keira Nellies, is using the scholarship to buy the study materials needed to help her excel in her Mathematical Physics degree at the University of Edinburgh.
Natalie Polson, also from Thurso, said: “Receiving the scholarship is assisting with accommodation and living costs while studying away from home, allowing me to focus on my Chemical Engineering degree, without financial worries.”
Also studying at Heriott Watt University and from Thurso, Ben Brown commented: “After making the decision to study Chemical Engineering at Heriot Watt University, I was initially concerned about the costs of moving away from home. The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Education & Training Fund award has played a vital role in my transition into student life, allowing me to pay for groceries, accommodation and any study materials required. It’s also helping to elevate my university experience by subsidising the joining fees of extra-curricular clubs.”
Cairn Jardine, from Farr High School, is studying BEng Mechanical Engineering with Renewables at University of Dundee. He added: “Coming from a very rural part of Scotland, I’m grateful to have received this scholarship from the Pentland Education and Training Fund. The bursary provides the financial backing I need to focus on obtaining my degree, which I plan to use to pursue my passion for engineering and be a part of society’s essential transition to renewable energy."
Richard Copeland, Pentland Project Director, commented: “The next generation will be crucial for continuing the impressive work taking place across the renewables industry.
“We’re aware that moving to college or university is a huge milestone for young people as they face new challenges for the first time. So, we’re delighted to be able to support them in navigating this transition as they progress their studies, enabling them to continue their education confidently, while also ensuring future STEM skills needs are met.”
Eilidh Coll, Community Funds Adviser, Foundation Scotland, added: “The quality of applications for this year’s scholarships was incredibly high. The students who have been awarded bursaries have demonstrated excellent academic ability and we are excited to support them on their academic journey.”
