The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain
Macpherson Memorial Trust Awards may be granted for personal development unrelated to industry employment, as well as for personal/career development within the industry. See below some of our previous awardees reports and hear their first-hand accounts of how an award from the Macpherson Memorial Trust enabled them to follow their personal dreams and/or achieve career goals.
Awarded funding from the Macpherson Trust, towards study on the RBGE Practical Horticulture course at the Norfolk School of Gardening, Natalie benefitted from new skills and new friendships, alongside achieving a Distinction.
“Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the course content, but I also appreciated the social interaction with other like-minded people. New friendships were made developing camaraderie and generous support during revision and exam days.”
The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, requires graduate students to explain their research in just three minutes, using one slide and no jargon. This encourages clear, engaging communication – skills that are vital in many career pathways.
Winner, George Epaku: “This activity was very rewarding in the sense that it taught me that even the most complicated story can be told simply and concisely. I believe the communication skills I gained will be very important in my career as a scientist.
Really grateful to the Macpherson Memorial Trust for the prize. I will be using the money when I move to the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in Edinburgh for my placement this summer.”
Runner-up, Abdulazeez Tukur: “I am sincerely grateful to the Macpherson Memorial Trust for the generous prize awarded in recognition of my presentation during the Three Minute Thesis competition at the International Barley Hub’s BARIToNE CTP Consortium.
While the prize honoured academic achievement, it also brought personal value. I used the funds to support a family trip to the St Andrews Aquarium and to register my child for a summer swimming course at Active Dundee. These experiences added joy and balance to a demanding research journey, making the prize even more meaningful.”
Awarded his Macpherson Trust grant in May 2024, to undertake a six-day Mountain Leader Training programme, Jonathan found the fluctuating weather testing, with conditions shifting rapidly from sunshine to rain, wind, and low cloud.
“The combination of expert instruction, practical challenges, and a supportive learning environment contributed to significant personal and technical development.
I now feel well-prepared to continue my journey toward qualification and to share my enthusiasm for the mountains by leading others with confidence, care, and competence. It would not have been possible without the backing of the Macpherson Trust, which I appreciate immensely. I hope the Trust continues to support people on their challenges and journeys.”
Sara’s very personal fundraising challenge was delayed by the worldwide Covid pandemic. Having been granted her award from the Trust in March 2021, to help raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, Sara was finally able to undertake her adventurous endeavour in April 2023, it was well worth the wait.
“Today was the day I did finish something, today was the day I would be almost at the top of the world and above the clouds, today a dream from this dreamer would be realised.
Thank you Macpherson Memorial Trust, for making this challenge possible for me. I will always be grateful for the support you provided.”
Tayla has spent the last eight years working towards achieving her Duke of Edinburgh Gold award, collecting Bronze and Silver along the way. An award from the Trust helped her to realise this ambition.
“This was by far our most challenging but exciting day. Jackfield rapids was the best thing I have ever accomplished, second to my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. I cannot thank the Macpherson Memorial Trust enough for the opportunity their scholarship award gave me; I will be forever grateful that I got to experience such an amazing 5-day challenge.”
Kris undertook this personal fundraising challenge to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House in Glasgow, who supported the family during his nephew Gray’s period of ill health.
“We survived the bike run, excellent effort from everybody it was a great achievement.
I don’t think the 3 of us have ever been more relieved to see the sign for Buckie on the final day. Despite it raining heavily for the first hour during the bike run whilst leaving Glasgow we couldn’t have asked for better weather coming up the road, it was just right not too hot or cold.”
Rūtelė is the worthy recipient of a Macpherson Trust Award made to Heriot-Watt University in 2019, to support a PhD student through their 4-years’ studies.
“I am very honoured to be the recipient of this Macpherson Trust Scholarship. I started the 4-year PhD project “Production of whisky using specialty malts: an optimised process” at the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) in Heriot-Watt University in July 2019. My current research is focused on creating new flavours in Scotch malt whisky by adding roasted barley malt in the production process. Receiving this award allows for the purchase of equipment and consumables crucial to this study. I greatly appreciate your generosity and support. Thank you for your confidence and willingness to help.”