Last Lockerbie scholars for Air Disaster study legacy

'New model' under way for Dumfriesshire secondary school 's USA link after more than three decades to meet changing times

The plug has been pulled on the annual year’s study abroad for Lockerbie Academy pupils at Syracuse University in the USA's New York State.

The Lockerbie and Syracuse Trust has confirmed: “The educational element will be removed from the scholarships going forward.”

It said: “The Lockerbie Syracuse Trust absolutely understand that this is a huge and momentous change to the scholarship programme but one in which the trustees will fully engage with to ensure the best possible experience for young Lockerbie citizens.

“We are very aware that this news will be disappointing to some students but very much hope that overall, it provides more opportunities for young Lockerbie citizens over the coming years.

“There were of course limitations to the scholarship programme of up to two scholars selected per year but under the new proposal, more students may be able to travel to Syracuse to get a flavour of university life.”

The programme was set up in the wake of the December 21, 1988, Lockerbie Disaster to forge links with the Dumfriesshire town and Syracuse which lost 35 students to the worst act of terrorism on British soil.

Each year after a selection process, two scholars have been chosen from Lockerbie Academy to spend a freshman’s year across the Atlantic.

However, the 2024/25 scholars, Anna Newbould and Cameron Colville – who recently moved to America for their studies, and will represent Lockerbie at many events in the USA including the October Remembrance Week – will be the last.

Instead, the Lockerbie and Syracuse Trust has announced that the Syracuse Scholarships “are evolving” – which, it said “mean the end of the scholarships as they stand and there will be no new scholars selected for 2025/26.”

Behind the change is a request from Syracuse University which has said that the current scholarship model needs to “be changed, enabling a new and modern approach, allowing more Lockerbie students to travel to Syracuse University.”

Lockerbie Syracuse Trust is chaired by ward councillor Carolyne Wilson and councillors Gail MacGregor, Stephen Thompson and Lynne Davis.

In a statement they said: “This new proposal will further ensure the relationship between Syracuse University and Lockerbie remains relevant and reflects the modern age we live in.

“The university has intimated their ongoing and enduring partnership with Lockerbie and wish to continue that as they have done for the past 35 years but have intimated that recent trends have made it clear to them that there now needs to be a new approach.”

The statement added: “The scholarship programme is a partnership between the Lockerbie Syracuse Trust, Syracuse University and Lockerbie Academy.

"Last year, the Lockerbie Syracuse Trust undertook and agreed a full review to further build on the established process and furthermore enhance the interviews to ensure a consistent, professional, and fair process for the students and all those scoring.

“The review was further designed to forge stronger links between the Lockerbie Syracuse Trust, Lockerbie Academy and Syracuse University.

“This fresh approach culminated in the selection of this year’s scholars.

“Although this is the end of the scholarship programme in its current form, feedback from this year’s scholars proves the valuable educational and personal experiences they are gaining.

“The detail of what the new model will fully look like is still to be fully worked out, but please be assured that the Lockerbie Syracuse Trust will work with Syracuse University and Lockerbie Academy with ensuring that the best possible model is agreed upon.”

The trustees said they will give updates “as this new opportunity evolves”.

As well as the 35 Syracuse students, 224 other passengers and 11 Lockerbie residents were killed when the plane was blown up over the town.

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