Des Rubens and Bill Wallace Grant

The grant that gives people the opportunity to seek out life-changing experiences in wild places. NB the closing date for 2025 applicants is 15 January 2025 - scroll down to find out more.

The John Muir Trust offers 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, which reflect the ethos of both men and give others an opportunity to follow in their footsteps. In the decade since its inception the Grant has made over 40 awards to a wide variety of recipients.

A grant of £500 - £2,000 will be made on merit to a person who wishes to experience wild places in the spirit of Des Rubens and Bill Wallace. The project should involve travel to wild places, must be adventurous, have an educational or scientific component – and be a life-changing experience leading to a commitment to practical action to conserve wild places.

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 can apply?

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 will favour independent self-led experiences over commercial expeditions, or pre-paid/charity trips such as pay to volunteer expeditions where the funds go directly to another organisation rather than the individual applying.

Priority will be given to individuals whose financial need is greatest and grant recipients will be required to provide a short project report following their return. Applicants must have a Scottish interest/link.

The Des Rubens and Bill Wallace Grant FAQ and Application form

How to apply

Download and read the FAQ, fill in the application form and then return your application by email.

Closing date for applications is 15 January each year.

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.