John Watson’s Trust

THE JOHN WATSON'S TRUST REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND CHARITY NO SC014004 REG OFFICE AT THE SIGNET LIBRARY, PARLIAMENT SQ, EDINBURGH EH1 1RF

PURPOSES

To award grants for educational purposes to children and young people up to and including the age of 21 who have a physical or learning disability or who are socially disadvantaged.

 

WHO MAY APPLY

  • Both individuals and organisations.

  • The Trust is currently accepting applications on behalf of beneficiaries resident within Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian and East Lothian.

 

EXAMPLES OF GRANTS

  • Special, external or additional tuition (please note that we do not fund school fees)

  • School expenses such as books and equipment

  • Laptops where there is a special education need

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications deadlines for 2026 are:
22 January 2027; 5 March 2027; 21 May 2027; 23 July 2027; 22 October 2027

Check which of the following applications applies to you.

Application form for Individual children and young people

Although applicants can apply for grants of any size, most grants made to individuals by John Watson’s Trust will be in a range between £200 and £2000.

Please note:

  1. Applications cannot be considered without supporting letters from professionals such as teacher, social workers or GPs. They need to explain why funding is required.

  2. Should you prefer to send a hard copy application, please download an application form from the link above, complete it and return it to us by post (on the address on the form) or by email.

  3. This form should not be used by schools to apply for funding for school trips.

Application form for Organisations

Please note that we do not fund general running costs for organisations. We do not fund staff salaries, wages or costs, as defined by our trustees. We are no longer offering funding of school trips. John Watson’s Trust grants generally fall between £200 and £2000 in size.

TRUSTEES

  • James Cormack KC, DKS (Chair ex officio)

  • John Angus WS

  • Laurene Edgar

  • Susan Jamieson

  • Callum Kennedy WS

  • Cllr Finlay McFarlane

  • Doran Mitchell WS

  • Patricia Quigley WS

  • David MacLennan WS

  • Rob Wilson WS

  • Dr Gordon Wylie WS

Clerk and Treasurer

Sophie Mills WS

 

TO MAKE A GIFT OR DONATION

All contributions are welcome. For further information, or a gift aid donation form, please contact Sophie Mills WS.

 

ACCOUNTS

 

FUTHER INFORMATION

If you have any questions about John Watson’s Trust, contact the administrator, James Hamilton.