Braes HS Nicola McRae wins Dennis Canavan Scholarship

The 18-year-old, who was a pupil at Braes High School, is the 14th recipient of the Dennis Canavan Scholarship.It is cash grant given to a young person who lives in this area, who has made a contribution to their community and who is going on to further education.It was set up by Falkirk Council followng Mr Canavan’s retiral from politics in 2007 which saw him represent the district in both the Westminster and Holyrood parliaments for over 35 years.Nominiations for the scholarship are sought every year from schools.Nicola’s nominee said “she has given notable service to others through her voluntary work, mentoring, charity sponsorship, sports coaching and immersing herself in the life of the school”.This included being a volunteer mentor with her schools Talk to Me initiative, a volunteer with the Rookie Lifeguard clbu and took part in a three week World Challenge to Tanzania.Only hours before Tuesday’s presentation in Falkirk’s council chambers, the teenager learned that she had been accepted to study medicine at Dundee University.She said: “I’m delighted but really surprised to win this award. I’m really looking forward to going to university next month and it will be an exciting challenge.”Presenting the award, Mr Canavan said: “While academic achievement is important, the tremendous service given to others is a credit to all the nominees.”Grants of £50 were made to two Denny High pupils, Brodie McClurg (17) and Jenna Irvine (15), who were both commended for their efforts by the judges.This year’s nominees were judged by Mr Canavan, Provost William Buchanan, chief executive Kenneth Lawrie, director of children’s service Robert Naylor and Falkirk Herald editor Jill Buchanan.