Brian & Margaret Cooper Trust
Are you a working or aspiring journalist aged under 30 who was born in the north and north-east of Scotland or who works in the region?
Do you need support to help you forge a successful career in the media?
If so, the Brian and Margaret Cooper Trust would like to hear from you.
Brian Cooper devoted his life to newspapers and the communities they serve.
Right from leaving school in Turriff aged 16 he showed a "first class" talent for the job. By his mid-thirties, he had already been picked by the Press and Journal editor to be his right-hand man.
"By his enthusiasm and commitment to the paper and the area it serves, he set an outstanding example, not least to the many young journalists who benefitted from working with him", the editor said in tribute to his work.
Tragically Brian, a much-loved colleague, was cut short in his prime, dying at the age of just 40 after a short illness.
Typically though, he made sure his passion for papers, their staff and readers lived on, by arranging the creation of the trust. He did not want anyone with the talent and the desire to follow in his footsteps to be held back by their financial situation.
And for many years now, thanks to his and his late mother Margaret’s generosity, many have been given a priceless helping hand.
The funds they bequeathed are available to meet two important aims:
- Supporting young individuals, and their families, in times of need.
- Providing better access to education and training.
All applications are considered by a team of trustees which includes some of Brian's former P&J colleagues and friends. They look forward to hearing from you and keeping alive the flame of his enthusiasm for journalism in the region.
You can find full details about who and what may qualify for a grant - and an application form here.
Applications should be lodged with the Secretary to the Trustees, Robert Marshall, 100 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB1O 1QR or via rjm@peterkins.com.
If you have any queries please contact Mr Marshall by phone on 01224 428256 or by email / post as above.
Meetings are held in May and applications must be lodged at least twenty-one days prior to a meeting.