Lachlan Cameron is a winner of this year’s Scotland Scholarship, and will be completing an MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh.

We asked him why he chose Scotland, what this opportunity means to him and what he intends to do when he returns to Australia, and this is what he had to say.

‘For someone seeking to study sustainable energy, Scotland has great appeal. It is experienced in renewable energy production (Scotland already produces almost 20% of its electricity from renewable sources) and is dedicated to maintaining its position as a leader in generation and innovation (it has set itself the ambitious target of improving to 40% of production by 2020). Complementing this national policy, the University of Edinburgh offers world-class teaching and research in sustainable energy generation, distribution, regulation and economics via its Institute for Energy Systems.

On a personal note, I was also drawn by the beauty of the country side and the famed culture of Edinburgh. I can't wait to try some hiking in the Scottish wilderness and get involved in the many festivals and events in my new home city.

It isn't possible to do a similar course here in Australia so this is a fantastic opportunity. I will be able to take advantage of Scotland's experience in this field and I hope to get involved in the new research that is being done at the University of Edinburgh into tidal and wave power generation. This developing area has a lot pf potential to become a valuable part of the electricity production for many countries.

In whatever way possible, I want to use skills and experience I will gain from the MSc to illustrate the important role that sustainable energy must have for our future and to implement this change.

There is a building momentum in Australia to change the way we produce power and to reduce our reliance on coal. However, there are also powerful industry and political groups with an interest in promoting essentially non-sustainable methods of electricity production such as nuclear or "clean" coal. I think it will be extremely important in the coming years for renewable energy to have a strong voice and I would like to be a part of that movement, by working on sustainable generation projects in Australia and highlighting their benefits to future generations.’

Michael Hallit is a winner of this year’s Scotland Scholarship, and will be completing a Master of Music (Performance) at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD).

Here Michael talks about the opportunity this scholarship has given him and why he has chosen Scotland as his study destination.

‘The Arts in Scotland is thriving, it has the world’s youngest and most innovative National Theatre, opera and ballet companies, three outstanding orchestras and one of the liveliest performing arts scenes in Europe. Besides its music and theatre, Glasgow for instance boasts world famous art collections, the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London, and the most vibrant and exciting nightlife in Scotland. These are among many reasons why I have chosen Scotland but most importantly it is home to a great academy of music with distinguished staff, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

This amazing opportunity allows me for a year of intensive study. This scholarship also means I will be part of a renowned institution. Students at the RSAMD receive an intensive and thorough training centred on principal one-to-one lessons. In addition, distinguished international musicians give frequent master classes. The musical wealth in the UK is overwhelming and to live and study in Scotland is an exciting notion for someone like me who has lived in Australia all his life.’

Joel Edmondson, last year’s Scotland Scholarship winner’s inspirational story of student life in Edinburgh has resulted in him being named Scotland’s International Student of the Year, 2007.

He was one of more than 2,000 students, representing 130 nationalities, to enter the 2007 International Student Awards - UK’s biggest competition designed to shine the spotlight firmly on international students and their unique contributions to life in the UK.

To enter, each student was asked to write a personal ‘letter home’ in English, detailing the out-of-class activities that help make their time in the UK so rewarding.

Joel’s letter described his exciting work with Music in the Community and special needs’ children, and his involvement in the design and mass production of the world’s first musical instrument made specifically for people with developmental and mobility problems.

One of 24 Australians to enter this year’s competition, Joel wrote:

“Scotland has arguably the world’s best reputation for innovation in disability services.

“As a member of the action research team for the NESTA/Tapestry partnership project, I am developing individualised instrument designs for students in the Ayrshire area, including several kinds of experimental drum machines and a device called the 'Mirrorphone', which is essentially a mirror that plays different notes/musical phrases when the player looks at different parts of it.

“This excites me greatly, because it requires no manual operation and has the potential to grow into something that everyone can appreciate. Music in the Community is really about bringing people creative experiences that maximise the potential of what they can do.”