Des Rubens and Bill Wallace Grant
The grant that gives people the opportunity to seek out life-changing experiences in wild places.
The John Muir Trust administers 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 wish to support projects that reflect the ethos of both men and give others an opportunity to 'go and do it' and follow in their footsteps. In the two decades since its inception the Grant has made over 80 awards to a wide variety of recipients.
Grants are made on merit to a person who:
- wishes to experience wild places in the spirit of Des Rubens and Bill Wallace
- is a UK applicant with a Scottish interest/link
- is adventurous and wants to travel to a wild place
- proposes a project with an educational or scientific component that will lead to a commitment to practical action to conserve wild places.
Applications to be recieved before 15 January 2027.
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 is 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 favours independent self-led experiences / adventures over commercial or school / university-organised expeditions. Grants cannot be used for pre-paid charity trips or training courses.
Priority is given to individuals whose financial need is greatest and grant recipients are required to provide a short project report following their return.
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