Falkirk pupils have been amongst 150 schools across the country to have visited art galleries and museums in Scotland as part of an innovative culture-based travel fund.

Since its launch in 2024 as a two-year pilot with a guaranteed grant of £120,000, the William Syson Foundation Travel Fund has had a singular focus.

Its aim was to encourage Scottish school pupils from areas such as Falkirk, the Lothians, Glasgow and Inverclyde to visit, study and experience art in Scotland's world-class galleries and museums. During the past two years of the fund, data analysis has shown the travel programme has been a success.

More than 5400 pupils have visited Scotland's museums and art galleries, receiving a guided tour and curriculum-linked art workshop at no extra cost to the school or the gallery. It was discovered that for many of the pupils, it was the first time they had ever visited an art gallery or museum.

As a result of the initiative's success, it’s been extended for another school year until June 2027, by which time the total investment by the William Syson Foundation will reach £190,000.

The Foundation is also recruiting other charities and partners whose support could expand and extend the programme across Scotland.

William "Bill" Syson launched his foundation in 2012 to help provide the next generation of youngsters with chances to enjoy art, culture and music, and to inspire them. Since its launch, the foundation has awarded £3 million to more than 500 art organisations throughout Scotland.

For more information on grants and support visit the William Syson Foundation website.