Dear Editor,

In 1729, 13-year-old Walter Scott from Ross-on-Wye fled from Ross fearing he would be arrested for stealing pears. At that time severe sentences were handed out for trivial offences, so the young Walter went to London, eventually taking over the building business of his uncle and making a fortune.

He never forgot Ross and returning many years later he found his old school struggling to survive. He had no children and upon his death a year later he left an endowment to the Blue Coat School, subsequently known as the Walter Scott School in Old Gloucester Road, a sum sufficient for a new building that can be seen there today.

The school continued until the 1920s when the funds could no longer meet the running costs. What remained was invested and the yearly proceeds of the investments are awarded to students from Ross Town to help them with their studies. Last year almost £3,000 was awarded in grants.

Any student under the age of 25 whose home is in Ross can apply for a grant for books, equipment and transport relating to their studies. The foundation welcomes applications and the trustees meet twice a year to consider what grants can be awarded.

Please contact the secretary, Nick Richmond by e-mail [email protected] or by phone 01989 563472 if you would like an application form.

Weston under Penyard

Primary School