Stewart Milne Group has pledged £8,000 to create an access scholarship that will support an undergraduate student as part of Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Giving Tuesday campaign.

The inaugural scholarship will be available from the start of the next academic year to a talented student from a group traditionally under-represented at RGU.

Thanks to the independent 5-star housebuilder and timber systems manufacturer, a talented student, potentially from a deprived area, will be able to study at RGU’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, studying Construction Management, Surveying or Architectural Technology.

RGU’s Giving Tuesday appeal, part of a worldwide day of giving, supports a strategic aim of the university to extend access to learning and enable individuals from diverse and marginalised backgrounds to achieve their ambitions through higher education.

Professor David McClean, head of school at the Scott Sutherland School, said: “The Scott Sutherland School is indebted to Stewart Milne Group for this pledge, which demonstrates a commitment to educating building and design professionals of the future and allowing talented individuals the opportunity to realise their potential, whatever their material circumstance or background.”

RGU has enjoyed a close relationship with Stewart Milne Group over the years. Chairman Stewart Milne was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in 2000, then in 2005 the organisation made a significant donation to help establish the state-of-the-art RGU: Sport facilities on campus. The company has also offered placements to RGU students from various schools over the years.

Glenn Allison, chief executive of Stewart Milne Group, said: “Providing access to quality higher education to those that have talent and aspiration, but may not have the means to recognise their full potential, is crucial to ensuring that the future workforce is armed with the skills needed to succeed.

“It’s with great pride that we’re providing this transformative support as part of the RGU Giving Tuesday campaign. We’ll be looking forward to meeting and supporting the student selected to receive the scholarship throughout their degree.”

Sarah Dingwall, development manager for the RGU Foundation, added: “We were thrilled to receive the news that Stewart Milne Group would be establishing an access scholarship at RGU and are extremely grateful for their contribution.

“This type of philanthropic support creates opportunity, raises aspirations and has a life-long impact for a talented RGU student.”