The University of Aberdeen is proud to announce the opening of applications for the William J McLean Agricultural Scholarship 2026. Established in 2021 by the descendants of William J McLean, the scholarship honours his agricultural and entrepreneurial legacy in the Moray Firth region and supports research that advances sustainable land use and agricultural innovation in the North East of Scotland.
University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It was originally established as King’s College by Bishop William Elphinstone to provide education in arts, theology and law. In 1860, King’s College merged with Marischal College to form the modern University of Aberdeen. Over the centuries, the university has built a strong reputation for research, teaching excellence and global impact, particularly in fields such as medicine, law, energy and environmental sciences.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | The William J McLean Agricultural Scholarship 2026 |
| Value | Up to £5,000 |
| Academic Year | 2025–2026 |
| Deadline | 5 March 2026 |
| Eligible Institutions | University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute |
| Eligible Applicants | Postgraduate students, PhD students, Early Career Researchers |
| Project Start Date | April 2026 |
| Outcome Notification | End of March 2026 |
| Application Email | giving@abdn.ac.uk |
Background
The The William J McLean Agricultural Scholarship was established in 2021 by the descendants of William J McLean to honour his agricultural and entrepreneurial legacy in the Moray Firth region of North East Scotland. His work reflected a strong connection between land stewardship, tenancy systems, and rural enterprise development.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to:
1. Postgraduate Students
Students enrolled at the University of Aberdeen in:
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Taught postgraduate programmes e.g. MSc in Geographical Information Systems or related fields
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Master by Research (MRes)
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PhD programmes in relevant subject areas
2. Early Career Researchers (ECRs)
Based on the definition adopted in the Research Excellence Framework:
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Based at the University of Aberdeen
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Or based at the James Hutton Institute
Preference will be given to PhD students and Early Career Researchers.
Benefits
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Maximum value: £5,000
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More than one award may be available depending on application quality and funding requests
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Funds can only be used for:
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Research-related travel
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Equipment
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Materials
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Dissemination costs
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The award will be granted to the most outstanding research proposal that clearly aligns with the scholarship’s objectives.
A short report will be required at the end of the funded project.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following via email:
1. Statement Maximum 3 A4 Pages
Your statement should include:
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Your academic interests
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Why you are applying
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How your research benefits sustainable land use or agricultural technology in North East Scotland
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A detailed breakdown of costs with justification
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Explanation of how funds will enhance your research
2. CV
Include academic background, research experience, and relevant achievements.
Submission Instructions:
Email your documents with the subject line: The William J McLean Agricultural Scholarship Send to: giving@abdn.ac.uk
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 5 March 2026.
Conclusion
The William J McLean Agricultural Scholarship 2025–2026 is a focused and prestigious funding opportunity for researchers committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural innovation in Scotland. With funding of up to £5,000, it provides meaningful support for impactful, applied research.
If your academic interests align with agricultural sustainability, land management systems, or disruptive agri-tech innovation, this scholarship could significantly enhance your research trajectory and career development.