The Watt Memorial Trust

The Watt Memorial Trust was set up in 1983 in memory of Rob Watt (SH 1911–1916, Staff 1968–1978) and his wife Barbara. Rob’s obituary in The Fettesian spoke of his commitment to Fettes College: “It was an inspiration to invite Rob Watt to edit the Centenary edition of the Fettes Register. No one could have put into the task so much effort and care. The result was a volume that appeared on time, immaculately produced. And then he stayed on to keep it up to date and smooth the path for the editor of the next edition. He was just 80 when he retired. Rob had had an outstanding career: Head of School, XV, Oxford scholar, double first in Mods and History, played for the university, but too light to get a blue. He became a brilliant teacher of history (with classics and maths when needed), a wise and compassionate Housemaster at Rugby and Rector of Edinburgh Academy. He was always devoted to Fettes, where he had been very happy, and when he returned in 1967, he identified himself very much with the school, attending numerous functions, first with his devoted Barbara, later, sadly, alone. Rob was welcome in any company, among all generations. He was interesting and witty and blessed with a phenomenal memory. Active to the end, he died peacefully in his sleep.”

As Fettes College and Edinburgh Academy were both very close to Rob’s heart, the Watt Memorial Trust was set up in his and his wife’s name with the aim of giving financial assistance to past and present members of both schools. The awarded grant enables recipients to “advance their education or professional training beyond the point at which public funds or university scholarships are available, or when private or family sources alone are not quite adequate for the purpose.” There have been many Old Fettesians and Academicals who have benefitted from the Trust. We spoke to a few recent OF recipients:

Chloe Sutton (CE 2011–2016)

“After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology in Education at the University of York, I was keen to take a more practical approach to studying human behaviour. The Watt Memorial Trust allowed me to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling at the University of Edinburgh. The skills and theories that I learned were paramount in my job at a care home during lockdown and have been endlessly helpful in my new role in healthcare market research.

“I am very grateful for the grant and the support of the Trust.”

Sandor Chernoff (Inv-Ki 1991–1995)

“Thanks to the Watt Memorial Trust I was able to continue my postgraduate studies in Education at Massey University, by distance. I used the grant to travel to supervision on campus and buy seminal books that were otherwise unavailable at my university library.

“I have since acquired a role, in my discipline, as an Education-to-Employment Broker: part of a nationwide collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development, and also the reform of vocational education currently taking place in NZ. My job is to broker, foster and/or support relationships and partnerships between secondary schools and the world of work. The outcomes are clearer pathways to careers for juniors, stronger transitions to employment, further education or training for seniors, and better employment outcomes for graduates. My postgraduate studies allowed me the time to research, work and write freely in this field of knowledge, and the result is my ability to better support the many students, whanau (family), educators, businesses and industries in my region that are all grappling with the uncertain future of work.

“On behalf of my family, I'd like to thank the Watt Memorial Trust for believing in me, and I hope my work can one day benefit the many stakeholders of young futures in Scotland.”

Sophie Cullis (CE 2012–2017)

“The Watt Memorial Trust has provided invaluable financial support in order for me to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University in New York, where I am studying European Politics and History. Studying abroad is rather costly and the grant awarded by the Trust has been set aside to cover the cost of my flights between the UK and New York. After I finish my MA in December my aspiration is to qualify for the Bar. Being able to travel back from the USA this summer will allow me to undertake inperson mini-pupillages in London.

“I cannot express how grateful I am for the support from the Watt Memorial Trust – thank you so much!”

If you think that the Trust could assist you, please do get in touch.

Deadlines are 1st September and 1st February. All enquiries to the Secretary: Anna Bennett, The WS Society, The Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF abennett@wssociety.co.uk