The Bill Grierson Award

Following the death in 1984 of Bill Grierson - local producer, designer, writer and man of the theatre, Ayr Arts Guild decided to remember its former Chairman in a way which would relate to two causes that Bill cared a great deal about: the promotion of theatre and the arts, and the advancement and encouragement of young people.

The Guild chose to do this by setting up a Fund, using the interest on its investment to send a local youngster to the Scottish Youth Theatre Summer School each year.  Much of the money came from Bill's friends all over the world.  The Compass Club and Ayr Intimate Opera (later Opera West) - two clubs in which Bill had always taken a leading role - raised further contributions by putting on special performances in aid of the Fund.

Since 1984 many young people from the area have benefited from the award, several of them going on to become professionals in their chosen field.

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The conditions of the award have been widened in recent years and are now as follows:

1. An amount of up to about £150 will be awarded annually.

2. The award will be given to one or more young people from Ayrshire.

3. Any branch of the performing arts will qualify.

4. Candidates will have to be recommended by a group or individual member of the Ayr Arts Guild.

5. The award will be for a specific purpose.

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The Fund, of course, remains open and the amount payable each year depends on the income from the capital invested.

Donations are always welcome from anyone interested in this way of providing financial help to our next generation of young artists.

If you would like to contribute, either directly or by legacy, please get in touch with the Guild's Treasurer - Michael Hitchon, 1 Barns Terrace, AYR.     KA7 2DB.     If you are sending a cheque, please make it payable to: Ayr Arts Guild (Bill Grierson Fund).