STUDENTS with certain Scottish surnames can apply for funding to go towards their education through a clan's charitable trust.

The Buchanan Society offers charitable grants for those who have certain Scottish last names to help “further the education of members of the clan” and who are in financial need.

The society’s funding application online says it recognises the importance of giving “judicious assistance” in education and vocational training.

Names that qualify for the Buchanan Society education grant are Buchanan, MacWattie, MacAuslan (any variation of spellings) and Risk.

To qualify for an educational grant the society states that a university or college student will need to confirm that they have been accepted for a course and are required to give an update on progress in their course during each of the years that a grant is given.

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People who are working as apprentices can also qualify for the grant and need to show the same evidence.

Educational grant applications are normally considered at the directors' meetings by the society in February, June and October each year.

The application must be completed the month before the directors’ meeting to be considered.

It is unclear how much financial funding is awarded to recipients of the grant.