Aberdeen University students awarded bursaries through The Prince of Wales Scholarship Scheme, met His Royal Highness at a special reception at Birkhall, on the Balmoral Estate, yesterday evening (Monday, January 21, 2002).
The scholars, whose interests range from Accountancy to Zoology and from English to Tropical Environmental Science are all first or second year undergraduates at the University of Aberdeen. They were chosen for the Prince of Wales Scholarships when the scheme was announced last September.
The Prince of Wales Scholarship Scheme helps talented young people whose personal or financial circumstances might otherwise make it difficult for them to benefit from a university education.
Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “This reception was a great opportunity for these young students to meet Prince Charles for the first time. He has always taken a great interest in the higher education of young people, a fact that is illustrated through his very generous involvement in the scholarship scheme.
“As a University, Aberdeen is very grateful to him for his support.”
The Scheme adds further strength to the long association between the Royal Family and the University. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, is Patron of the University’s Development Trust and, in 1996, Her Majesty The Queen visited the University as part of the Quincentenary celebrations and opened the first phase of the Institute of Medical Sciences.
The Prince of Wales, who holds an Honorary Degree from the University, has visited Aberdeen University several times. In March 1999, the University was delighted to announce that HRH The Prince of Wales had agreed to become Patron of the Sixth Century Fundraising Campaign.
If the media would like to request a copy of one of the photographs taken at the reception, please contact: Derek Ironside, Newsline Scotland Press Agency, on: (01224) 594000, or email: photos@newsline-scotland.co.uk
The Chancellor of the University, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn; the Principal of the University, Professor C Duncan Rice; Lori Manders, Director of Marketing; and Dr Colin Milton, Administrator, Entrance Bursary Scheme also attended the reception.