Friends of The Nicolson is a registered charity whose mission is to help pupils from the Isles of Lewis and Harris to travel to mainland Scotland to participate in events and activities that will further their education.

Set up in 2017, the fund relies on individuals (mostly alumni) to make a small, annual donation. Pupils or groups apply to receive funding with the charity Trustees overseeing the disbursement of grants.

Costs for travel and groups can be out of reach for many parents with times when teachers have subsidised travel personally. With pressure on local authority budgets, this fund is already proving to make a difference to the education prospects of the Island’s young people.