Assessment Process and Criteria

All applications received will be assessed by an independent panel.

In assessing the merits of the applications, the assessment panel will be guided by, and award marks for, the following:

• Relevance to the theme (25 marks)
  Evidence that the student has understood the theme and the brief, irrespective of the form the project takes.
• Originality (25 marks)
  Evidence of the work and/or the thinking or logic that informs it being distinct or displaying individuality.
• Imagination (25 marks)
  Evidence of creativity in how the student has interpreted the brief, developed a solution or presented an argument.
• Coherence (25 marks)
  A clear thread running through the project that connects all elements and links back to the theme provided.

The decisions of the independent assessment panel will be final, and no appeals will be accepted. Canvassing members of the independent assessment panel will disqualify applicants from consideration for a scholarship.

 Application requirements

Applicants for the programme must prepare and submit two original pieces of work online via the Spiorad na Mara website.  Applications will be accepted in Gaelic or English.

1. A project – a piece of original work based on a specific theme (theme will be announced when the scholarship opens for applications each year).

For the year 2026/2027, we would like to see an original piece of work created in response to the theme ‘Why young voices matter in the future of our communities’. The form this project takes is entirely up to you and should reflect how you communicate best and what inspires you the most.

We are happy to receive a variety of forms and approaches, including, but not limited to, the following:

• • A work of art or music
  • A short story or poem (maximum 1,500 words)
  • A short film or animation (maximum 5 minutes in length)
  • A design for a construction or invention

2. An explanatory narrative (500 to 1,000 words) to accompany your project.

The narrative should explain why you decided to choose the approach to your project and provide an insight into the creative process behind it. The narrative should also help the assessment panel learn a bit about you and your motivations as a person, as well as the meaning and significance of your project piece and its connection to the theme.

3. Confirmation that you have been accepted to a university in Scotland.
   If you have applied, but are not yet registered in any course or the university acceptance of your application to an eligible study course is conditional, you can still apply to this scholarships programme, but the awarding of the scholarship will be dependent on you receiving an unconditional offer of a course place.

These deliverables must be submitted digitally. Please note that use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in the preparation of any part of these works is not permissible, and any applicants found to be using GenAI will be disqualified.

The following file types can be uploaded but please note the maximum file size per item is 60MB

• Pdf
• PowerPoint
• MP3
• MP4
• JPEG / PNG
• WAV

Additional requirements

By submitting your application, you agree to:

• Complete and sign a short form in mid-January of each academic year, confirming that you are still engaged in full-time study on the course for which the scholarship was awarded.
• Take part in publicity and marketing opportunities related to the programme.
• Accept the terms and conditions that apply to these scholarships.

Submitting an application

When you are ready to submit your application, complete the online Application Form and attach the requested items.

Checklist for Items to Submit:

☐   Project / Original work

☐   Accompanying explanatory narrative

☐   Confirmation of university placement

☐   Accept the Terms and Conditions

If you have any queries about the programme or your submission, please contact Kathleen Milne at kathleen.milne@northlandpower.com.