Tributes have been paid to a former primary school teacher whose generosity enhanced the cultural and artistic life of both the University of Aberdeen and the region.
Margaret Carlaw passed away peacefully at the age of 88.
Ms Carlaw trained and worked as a primary school teacher for many years in Aberdeen City and Shire until being promoted to Advisor for Primary Education to Aberdeen City. On taking early retirement from education, Ms Carlaw took over the running of the family farm dividing her time between her home in Aberdeen City and her farm in Stichill.
During this time, she wrote a number of books on the history, wildlife and culture of Stichill, and on the history of the University of Aberdeen, most notably, ‘King’s College Chapel: History, Buildings and Artistic Portrayal’ (2009) all of the funds for which were donated to the University of Aberdeen.
Her philanthropic endeavours for the University shaped the lives of many students who were able to take advantage and opportunities which would not have been possible without her support, together with that of her cousin Derek Ogston who died in 2021.
Together they made a major contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the University of Aberdeen and the City.
Her support included the creation of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships in music including the Carlaw-Ogston Postgraduate Scholarship, The Carlaw-Ogston Composition Award, the Carlaw Conducting Bursary, the Carlaw Undergraduate Music Scholarship and the Carlaw Music Award.
She also made it possible for students from all backgrounds to undertake study in their passion for music, contributing thousands of pounds to an instrumental scheme which enables students who cannot afford to buy their own instruments the loan of an instrument so that they can follow their dream.
Ms Carlaw also gave considerable financial assistance to postgraduate students to undertake further research and attend performances and conferences throughout the world, assisted the Students’ Association with considerable donations to student societies, most notably the University of Aberdeen Opera Society, the University of Aberdeen Gilbert and Sullivan Society and to the Sound Festival and Con Anima Chamber Choir.
She enabled the purchase of an entire percussion department including a full-sized Marimba and timpani set which has benefitted many musical societies in the University and many percussion students, some of whom have gone on to professional performing careers.
As a regular attendee at the University Chapel, she was a generous supporter of both the Chapel and Chamber University choirs, supporting both choirs with funds towards their tours, which would otherwise not have been possible.
Chris Gray, Head of Music at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Margaret Carlaw, together with her cousin Derek Ogston, transformed musical opportunity in the University and beyond.
“Her generosity enabled students to learn new instruments, take part in opportunities with ensembles and groups around the world by covering the costs of travel and other associated expenses, and helped many to begin careers which have in turn supported the cultural life not only of this city and beyond.
“Margaret took a keen interest in all concerts and events at the University and was always happy to help financially and in many other ways. She was adored by the students for her warmth and the care given to them and their studies.
“As a Patron of Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra she enabled many of our students to gain invaluable educational and practical experience working with these internationally recognised organisations.
“She was a true champion of the University, the city and the wider region. She will be sadly missed but the lifelong commitment she made to education, arts and philanthropy will live on.”