Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust FAQ
Why apply?
The Scholarship offers much more than financial assistance.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:
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Receive £5,000 of financial support across Years 3 and 4;
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Reduce financial pressures and focus on their studies;
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Gain recognition for their achievements, ambition and potential;
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Build a relationship with Border Biscuits and the Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust; What does this entail? How do we make pupils know that there could be a job opportunity available.
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Share their career aspirations with leaders from a successful Scottish food business;
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Gain insight into careers across food, nutrition, innovation and product development;
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Develop professional networks as they prepare for graduation and future employment; and
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Explore future opportunities, including placements, internships and graduate careers where appropriate.
About Border Biscuits
Border Biscuits is one of Scotland's leading food manufacturers and has been producing premium biscuits since 1984. A multi award winning company, and name as one of the top 9 family businesses in the UK, based in Lanark, the company is recognised across the UK and internationally for its range of sweet biscuits and commitment to quality, innovation and growth.
As a family-owned business, Border Biscuits places great importance on investing in people, supporting communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
The company is passionate about supporting talented individuals who demonstrate ambition, potential and a desire to make a positive impact through their future careers.
About the Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust
The Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust (Scottish Charity No. SC038418) was established in 2007 with the ambition of helping and supporting causes in local communities through investment and leadership.
Funded by Border Biscuits, the Trust is committed to creating positive impact by supporting individuals and organisations that can benefit from opportunity, encouragement and investment.
The Trust believes in supporting people who demonstrate commitment, potential and values aligned with making a positive contribution to society and their communities.
Why This Scholarship Is Different
The Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust Nutrition Scholarship is more than a bursary.
Alongside £5,000 of financial support, recipients will have opportunities to engage with representatives of Border Biscuits and the Trust, share their aspirations and build relationships with people working within a successful Scottish food business.
For students interested in careers connected to nutrition, food, health, wellbeing, innovation, product development or the wider food industry, the Scholarship provides a unique opportunity to gain support, insight and valuable professional connections as you prepare for life after graduation.
Key dates
|
Activity |
Indicative Timing |
|
Applications Open |
w/c 7th Sept 2026 |
|
Applications Close |
Wed 7th October (9am) |
|
Shortlisting |
7th – 9th October |
|
Interviews (on ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø campus) |
Monday 19th October (you must be available on this date) |
|
Scholarships Awarded |
By end of October 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
How many scholarships are available?
Two scholarships will be awarded each year.
How much funding will I receive?
Each successful applicant will receive:
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£2,500 in Year 3
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£2,500 in Year 4
Total award value: £5,000.
Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
Yes.
The Scholarship has been established to help students who may face financial pressures during their studies. Applicants should explain their circumstances and how receiving the Scholarship would support them.
Can I receive the Scholarship alongside SAAS funding or other support?
Yes.
The Scholarship is intended to complement existing student support arrangements.
Is there an interview?
Yes.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on Monday 18th October at the ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø Campus. Representatives from the Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust may participate in the interview process alongside University representatives.
What will the selection panel be looking for?
The panel will consider:
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Financial circumstances;
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Academic commitment;
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Future aspirations (with a focus on students interested in careers connected to nutrition, food, health, wellbeing, innovation, product development or the wider food industry);
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Personal values and ambition;
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Potential for future success; and
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The likely impact of the Scholarship on your studies and future development.
Why is Border Biscuits involved in the Scholarship?
Border Biscuits and the Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust are passionate about supporting talented individuals and helping them achieve their potential.
The Scholarship reflects the Trust's commitment to investing in people who demonstrate ambition, commitment and a desire to make a positive contribution through their future careers.
What are the benefits beyond the financial award?
The Scholarship is designed to be more than a financial award.
Recipients will have the opportunity to build a relationship with Border Biscuits and the Trust, share their aspirations and gain insight from people working within the food sector.
This may include attending events, meeting representatives from Border Biscuits and sharing updates on your academic journey and future ambitions.
Do I need to be interested in the food industry to apply?
Yes, this would be beneficial.
Border Biscuits and the Trust are particularly interested in supporting students who can articulate their future aspirations and how they hope to make a positive contribution through their future careers.
Applicants with an interest in food, nutrition, innovation, product development, consumer understanding and the wider food industry are encouraged to share these aspirations as part of their application.
If you have any questions please contact development@qmu.ac.uk
