Des Rubens and Bill Wallace Grant
The grant that gave people the opportunity to seek out life-changing experiences in wild places.
The John Muir Trust administered this Grant to give people the opportunity to seek out life-changing experiences in wild places of the world in ways which will benefit both the person, and the wild places themselves. The grant commemorates two former presidents of the Scottish Mountaineering Club who each led inspiring and adventurous lives. We wished to support projects that reflected the ethos of both men and gave others an opportunity to follow in their footsteps. In the decade since its inception the Grant made over 40 awards to a wide variety of recipients.
Grants were made on merit to a person who wished to experience wild places in the spirit of Des Rubens and Bill Wallace. Projects involved travel to wild places, were adventurous, had an educational or scientific component – and provided a life-changing experience that led to a commitment to practical action to conserve wild places.
- NB. We are no longer accepting Grant applications.
Who was Bill Wallace?
Bill Wallace was a stalwart of the John Muir Trust who played an important role in the development of the organisation. He was adventurous, inspired others and made a huge personal contribution towards increasing awareness of the need to safeguard wild places both in Scotland and overseas. A quiet man who never blew his own trumpet, he spoke eloquently through his deeds.
Who was Des Rubens?
Des Rubens had a distinguished career in outdoor education over 30 years. Based on his own early experiences of the coasts and mountains of Scotland, he was a passionate believer in the value of bringing young people into the hills, and making opportunities for involvement in the outdoors available to people from all levels of society and from a wide spectrum of abilities - a man who led by example.
Who was the Grant aimed at?
- People of all ages, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds.
- UK applicants with a Scottish interest/link.
- People who, like Des and Bill, can show self-motivation, determination and commitment to achieve.
- People who demonstrate charitable aims (educational/scientific/community development).
The Grant committee favoured independent self-led experiences over commercial expeditions, or pre-paid/charity trips such as pay to volunteer expeditions where the funds went directly to another organisation rather than the individual applying.
Priority was given to individuals whose financial need was greatest and grant recipients were required to provide a short project report following their return.
Applicants had a Scottish interest/link.
Read what previous recipients got up to
From studying Panamanian rainforests to circumnavigating the Isle of Skye in a kayak, the grant has enabled many life-changing adventures.
Read more