CLAN MACKAY SOCIETY BURSARY AWARD SCHEME
When the Clan Mackay Society was founded in 1808, its main objectives were the cultivation of knowledge, social interaction with members throughout the world, support of fellow Clansmen, encouragement of education, preservation of records, traditions and historical material of the Clan.
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These aims have not fundamentally changed and supporting access to education continues to be a core function of the Society.
The Society holds limited funds which it offers for further educational purposes to clansmen and women. Primarily this aims to help students undertaking tertiary education with supplementary grants towards items such as books, equipment and instruments, but we may also consider supporting travel and accommodation costs in certain circumstances. Consideration may also be given for supplementary project work undertaken as part of a study period or any educational projects worthy of support.​
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Mairi Vodden - Bursary Administrator
Mairi Vodden (née Mackay) was born in Edinburgh and is the daughter of Margaret and John Mackay. She joined the Clan Mackay Society as a life member in October 2019 and has Mackay heritage links to Edinburgh, Caithness & Ross-shire.
Mairi took on the role of Bursary Administrator in October 2019 and has focused on increasing awareness of and encouraging applications to the Clan Mackay Bursary Fund from young Mackays! She works as a Careers Advisor in a secondary school in North West London and is passionate about supporting young people to broaden their horizons and be the best versions of themselves that they can be.
Bursary Recipient, Kathryn Mackay, tells us how the bursary has helped her.
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"I received a bursary from Clan Mackay Society during my final year of Postgraduate study where I was completing my Diploma in Counselling at The University of Edinburgh. The bursary helped me to pay for travel costs to attend my placement in Perth for three months.
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I really appreciated the support of Clan Mackay at this time. I didn’t have to worry about the costs involved in my course but rather allowed me to really focus finishing my course, which I passed with merit.
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I am now a fully qualified counsellor and continue to volunteer with a counselling service in Edinburgh. I am currently working part-time in an administrative role within Edinburgh University and I am a helpline supervisor for Parentline. I hope to begin to explore starting my own private practice."
