DETAILS of the major incentive launched earlier this year for people from the Borders and North Northumberland are now widely available and applications are encouraged. The Border Union Bicentenary Bursary Fund was set up to commemorate the Bicentenary of the Society in 2013. It is expected to reach £160,000 after generous support from landed estates, trusts, companies and individuals. It offers financial support to people with drive and ambition who seek to advance their careers (or start a new career) in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, country sports, the food sector, conservation, rural crafts, equestrianism, rural leisure, fish farming, environment, renewable sources of energy, and all aspects of the rural economy of the Borders and North Northumberland.

Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring that the support given to successful applicants will ultimately contribute to the benefit of the rural economy of the area. This reflects the main objective laid down by the founders of the Society in 1813, that of ‘encouraging improvement’.

Lord Joicey of Ford and Etal Estates, who oversaw the fund raising exercise, said: “This is a great opportunity for Borderers to realise their potential and to take a study trip, a course or other training that will help them in their career or business. The generosity of Borders farmers and landowners in creating this Fund must be remembered. We look forward to seeing it repaid by the future prosperity of successful candidates across every sector of our Borders economy.” “This is a home-grown fund for home-grown Borderers,” explained Jonny McCririck, current Chairman of the Border Union. “Funding for professional or personal development in the rural sector is often hard to come by. We are here to help anyone with an idea or a wish to develop their skill for business, albeit we will expect them to be realistic and to have done some homework first.” The Panel will meet quarterly to consider applications for funding.

Details of the terms and criteria for eligibility and deadlines for applicants are available online at www.buas.org or from the Society’s Office at Springwood Park, Kelso TD5 8LS. Alternatively send an e-mail to : ronaldwilson@buas.org