A YOUNG Scotstoun dad has urged budding students to get their applications in now for an education bursary provided by a local housing group.

Michael Gowan is among those to benefit from the Wheatley Group's grant programme, which aims to support people to go to college or university courses with the help of either £1,500 for full-time students or £750 for part-time learners.

The 26-year-old dad, who is in the third year of a BA degree in Performance at the University of the West of Scotland, said the financial aid has allowed him to spend time with his family whilst he works towards his qualification.

He added: “Having a bursary from the Wheatley Foundation has been great. It helped cover all of my travel costs and books for the year.”

Since the scheme was launched in 2016, it has awarded £1million in support to over 380 people from communities across Scotland.

The bursary programme, which is set to support its 400th recipient this year, is open to tenants living in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.

Professor Paddy Gray OBE, chair of Wheatley Foundation, said: “We are delighted we’ll reach this milestone figure and be able to support over 400 tenants from our communities.

“The cost-of-living crisis has made it more difficult than ever before for people to be able to afford to go to college or university.

“Our education bursary is a lifeline for so many customers to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.”

Bursaries are available to those living in homes owned by Wheatley’s social landlords - Wheatley Homes Glasgow, Wheatley Homes East, Wheatley Homes South and Loretto Housing - and people who live in a home factored by or rented from Lowther.

Anyone who wants to study for a HNC, HND, undergraduate degree or postgraduate course can apply before the closing date of Friday, June 30.