2007 Awardee: Euan Fulton

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Greenock, Euan Fulton was a pupil at the Douglas Academy Music School. He went on to study music at the University of Glasgow, graduating with a good degree. Euan was a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland for four years and progressed to become pianist with the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Euan’s interest in composition developed during his undergraduate years and his composition for organ which was part of his degree work was one of the strongest student organ works his tutors had heard. He is considered to be one of the most able and artistically-committed of students that his tutors had had in recent years and displays the spark of originality in his work which they find exciting.

Euan has shown himself to have a highly reflective sensibility, intellectual motivation and a particular drive to compose which will enable him to become a thoughtful artist. The next step in his musical career is to pursue an MA in composition which will help him to develop his technical and artistic skills.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help to finance Euan as he pursues a masters in composition at the University of Glasgow.

Since the Award

Euan gained an MA in Composition.  One of his final pieces, a Piano Duet, was premiered at the University of Glasgow ‘Sound Thought 2008’ postgraduate showcase to great acclaim.  Euan writes that, “The Masters allowed me to discover approaches to composition that will greatly aid my continuing artistic development.  I am very grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for providing the assistance that made this possible.”

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2007 Awardee: Felipe Oliveira

I should tell you how glad and proud I am with this. Thank you (for believing) in my talent.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Brazilian baritone Felipe Oliveira’s parents told him to choose anything but music to study after graduating from high school. First he tried law and then medicine.

Felipe was 15 years old when he won a place in Brazil’s prestigious Alagoas State Choir and three years later became one of their soloists. Whilst still a medical student he decided to enter a singing competition and won the Revelation Prize. The jury, which included directors of two of the major international opera companies, told him to keep singing as he had talent.

Felipe gave up his medical studies to follow his dream of becoming an opera singer, firmly believing that one day he would be singing in the finest opera houses of the world.

He rapidly distinguished himself in competitions by winning in 2005 1st Male Grand Prize – Chamber Category in the Brazilian Voice Competition and 1st prize – Master Category in the Singing Festival of Maranhao State, amongst many others. He participated in many prestigious master-classes and performed in several opera productions.

Felipe first heard about the RSAMD in Glasgow from a Brazilian friend of Scottish parentage who had studied there. In 2006 he won a place on the MMus (Opera) course and, such is his outstanding talent, was immediately cast in two of the Academy’s opera productions, the title role in Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ and as Guglielmo in Mozart’s ‘Cosi fan Tutte’. Later he was selected by the distinguished German conductor, Lutz Köhler, to perform in Handel’s Messiah in 2007.

Felipe is considered to have a voice of substance, quality and power and a compelling energy and presence on stage. The finest opera houses of the world beckon.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help to support Felipe through his MMus (Opera) course at RSAMD, Glasgow.

Since the Award

Felipe’s tutor writes, “His first year in the Opera School saw him appearing already in principal rôles in Gianni Schicchi (an amiable and well-sung performance of one of Buoso Donati’s drunken relations!) and, more impressively, the title rôle in Mozart’s Don Giovanni in June. In this rôle, which he sang in all four performances, he demonstrated a natural ease for the stage….and [he] proved his ability to learn and absorb detailed suggestions from musical, vocal and language coaches.”

Felipe is now seeking auditions with some of the main European opera companies.

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I should tell you how glad and proud I am with this. Thank you (for believing) in my talent.

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2007 Awardee: Fraya Thomsen

I am hugely grateful for this substantial contribution, which will enable me to pursue my career in a highly professional manner.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born in Sutherland, Fraya is considered to be one of the best clàrsach players of her generation. Now living in beautiful Arisaig, Fraya studied Scottish traditional music at RSAMD, Glasgow, where she graduated with an exceptional first class honours degree.

Since then, Fraya has built up a reputation as a professional musician of note, with her band, The Duplets, and also touring with Abigail Grey, a seven piece original song band.

Fraya’s 10-year-old clàrsach, which has travelled all over the country with her as well as to other continents, is giving up the ghost. As Fraya says, it ‘makes unusual and unwanted noises’ when playing. This might sound familiar to those starting to learn a new musical instrument, but disconcerting for the professional musician.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award enables Fraya to buy a new professional standard clàrsach.

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I am hugely grateful for this substantial contribution, which will enable me to pursue my career in a highly professional manner.

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2007 Awardee: Gayle Rankin

The money will be a tremendous help in funding my education in New York and will make my life so much easier .... It is a great honour and means so much to me to be recognised by the Dewar Arts Awards.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Gayle Rankin has long had an ambition to study drama at the Juilliard School in New York. This year she achieved her goal when she was one of 18 successful candidates – out of an estimated 3,500 worldwide – to be accepted this year. She was the only successful candidate from the UK and is, possibly, the first Scottish drama student ever at Juilliard.

For the last two years, Gayle, who hails from Kilmarnock, has been studying musical theatre at the Dance School of Scotland, Knightswood, where she was noticed as a truly talented performer excelling in acting, singing and dancing. Recently she was winner of an international fellowship award to study in Australia. She performed in the staging of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, with Siobhan Redmond in the title role.

Gayle has been offered a scholarship-funded place on the 4-year drama degree course at Juilliard School.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards the considerable expenses to study in New York.

Since the Award

After four years of Dewar Arts Award support, Gayle graduated from Juilliard with a degree in acting. She writes of that experience “Juilliard’s rigorous, four-year training program has changed my life and my career forever and has unquestionably been the most significant experience of my personal and professional life thus far….I am very excited to be at the beginning of a career here in the States and have found really great representation here.” As for us, we hope to see Gayle on the stage back in Scotland in the not-too-distant future.

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The money will be a tremendous help in funding my education in New York and will make my life so much easier .... It is a great honour and means so much to me to be recognised by the Dewar Arts Awards.

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2007 Awardee: Gordon Bragg

I am most grateful for this opportunity to increase my learning opportunities.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Dunblane, Gordon Bragg started out as a highly-talented violinist, developing in later years to lead NYOS, Camerata Scotland and NYOS Futures. He went on to study violin at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Gordon is considered to be one of the most exciting young musicians to represent Scotland in recent years.

After graduating, Gordon went on to join the prestigious postgraduate conducting programme at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

During his first year at RNCM, Gordon conducted the College’s symphony and string orchestras, the junior vocal ensemble and the wind ensemble in a diverse range of works and to an enthusiastic reception. He has a deep commitment to the music of today and has a great admiration for the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra of Finland, which promotes works by contemporary as well as classical composers.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help Gordon purchase a series of Barenreiter scores of classic works by some of Europe’s greatest composers, an essential tool for a student conductor.

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I am most grateful for this opportunity to increase my learning opportunities.

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2007 Awardee: Graham Mackenzie

My Ewen Thomson violin, which I purchased with my Dewar Arts Award, has been fundamental in my development and success. I am extremely grateful for the support I received from the Trust.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 14
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.grahammackenziemusic.com
 
TWITTER: https://www.tritter.com/grahamfiddle

Biography

Graham started to play the violin at six and won his first trophy at the age of nine. He has gone on to win many prizes and accolades, the most notable to date being in 2004 as the youngest ever winner at the Danny Kyle Open Stage.

Graham, from Inverness, is considered to be one of Scotland’s finest up-and-coming musicians who will become a leading player of his generation. Already he is an accomplished and exciting performer full of style and grace. In 2004 he was part of the band selected to support Blazin’ Fiddles on their Scottish tour. In 2005 he performed on the BBC Hogmanay Live show. He has performed on a number of occasions with fellow Dewar Arts Award winner, Aidan O’Rourke.

Graham has been a member of the National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland and is currently part of NYOS Strings. His ambition is to study classical music at one of the leading conservatoires in the country and to become a professional musician.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award enabled Graham to buy a Ewen Thomson fiddle. He says of it: “it is already a great instrument but will be even better once it has been fully played in.”

Since the Award

Graham writes that the violin he had made by Ewen Thomson is one which “I would have dreamt of playing when I began playing the fiddle at 6 years of age.” Since getting his new violin, Graham has won numerous prestigious prizes, including the inaugural Highland Young Musician of the Year in 2007.

In 2012 Graham was a finalist of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Musician of the Year, and in 2013 he graduated with a BMus (Hons) from the Royal Northern College of Music. He went on to study a Masters in Scottish Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He attended Cape Breton University, Canada, as an exchange student, and in 2015 performed at the Celtic Connections festival with a New Voices commission.

2012: BBC Young Folk Musician of the Year Award finalist

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My Ewen Thomson violin, which I purchased with my Dewar Arts Award, has been fundamental in my development and success. I am extremely grateful for the support I received from the Trust.

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2007 Awardee: Hannah Venet

I am truly shocked and ecstatic about this Award, I wish to thank the trustees for your support, it really means the world to me.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh-born Hannah Venet developed an interest in dance when she was four years old. Initially she began as a pupil at the Theatre School, Edinburgh and joined the Scottish Ballet Junior Associates in 1998. As a pupil at Broughton High, she became part of the school’s specialist dance unit. After leaving school she continued to study dance at the Laban in London, where she gained a first class honours in dance theatre.

While at Laban, Hannah had the opportunity of working with many respected and accomplished dancers, and also participated in workshops led by some of the leading exponents of contemporary dance. Following that, Hannah won a place on the highly-competitive MA in Dance Performance course at the Transitions Dance Company, where only twelve places are offered a year.

The Transitions Dance Company was set up to offer dance students a stepping stone into the professional world. There, Hannah will continue to work alongside some internationally renowned choreographers. While a student at the Laban, Hannah impressed as an open and responsive dancer who was mature, sensitive and dedicated to her art. The fact that she has won a place with Transitions is testament to her calibre as a dancer.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards Hannah’s fees and living costs while working and studying with the Transitions Dance Company.

Since the Award

Hannah successfully completed her postgraduate studies and was awarded a Masters, with Merit, on her thesis “New Possibilities of Meaning….’  Of her experiences at the Transitions Dance Company, Hannah writes: “I have learnt so much in this Dewar supported year and I have been given the time, responsibility and freedom to develop as an individual with guidance from tutors and fellow dancers alike. My confidence in my own uniqueness and abilities has grown and I feel ready to continue to learn and grow as a Scottish contemporary dancer, but also knowing where I have come from and who I feel I am as an artist.”

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I am truly shocked and ecstatic about this Award, I wish to thank the trustees for your support, it really means the world to me.

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2007 Awardee: Hayley Scanlan

I would just like to say how thankful and grateful I am for you to pick me and how much it will benefit the rest of my time here in LA

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Whilst she was just three-quarters of the way through her degree in textile design at Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee-born Hayley Scanlan was offered the chance in a professional life-time of a nine-month unpaid internship with top fashion designer Jeremy Scott based in his studio in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles.
The offer was the chance to work with Jeremy Scott on a print design for inclusion in his Spring/Summer 2008 collection, ultimately to be shown at the LA, Paris and New York Fashion Weeks. This is the kind of work which Hayley had dreamed of doing since she was a young girl.

Hayley’s major strengths are a creative energy and ability to understand and react to fashion trends, attributes which won her the internship. Her talent, particularly in fashion related areas, and the high standard of her finished work are abilities which will undoubtedly enable her to succeed in textile design in fashion.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award enabled Hayley to complete her internship in LA. Her striking print designs were part of Jeremy Scott’s collection at the Paris and LA Fashion weeks in late 2007.

Since the Award

During her time at the Jeremy Scott studio, Hayley worked on ready-to-wear collections for Paris Fashion Week. This experience gave her an “intense insight into the reality of the hard work and dedication involved in the fashion industry”. After the internship, Hayley returned to Dundee to finish her degree. On the opening night of her degree show she caught the eye of the head of the British Fashion Council and of model Erin O’Connor who commissioned a copy of one of Hayley’s garments in her collection. Hayley is now working hard to establish her own fashion and textile label.

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I would just like to say how thankful and grateful I am for you to pick me and how much it will benefit the rest of my time here in LA

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2007 Awardee: James McArdle

Your kindness has allowed the rare opportunity for Scotland to be represented at the world’s most prestigious drama school, and for that, I thank you. I am deeply honoured …

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Glasgow-born James McArdle is the youngest Scot to have been accepted to study for an acting degree at RADA in almost ten years. The list of previous graduates from RADA reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ in British acting.

James started studying acting at school, progressing rapidly through the practical examinations to become a member of the Advanced Higher Cohort. In his last year at school, he played Hamlet, the play having been chosen on the basis of James’s ability to play such a complex and challenging character. He was the finest young actor his acting teacher had come across in her career.

James has been a committed member of the PACE Youth Theatre for over ten years, and was considered to be one of the most talented young actors to have been involved in the company. To help raise money to get himself to RADA, James wrote a play which was produced by PACE Youth Theatre Company and which, it is hoped, will transfer to the Edinburgh Festival in 2008.

James is considered to have enormous potential as an actor and is expected to become one of Scotland’s finest actors in the future.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help with the fees and living costs as James starts his studies at RADA.

At the end of his first term at RADA, James writes, “This has truly been the richest time of my life in terms of the knowledge and growth I am receiving daily. The Dewar Arts Awards has allowed me to enter a difficult profession at the highest level.”  After a successful first year, James’s award has been confirmed for a second year.

Since the Award

In 2018, James starred as James Stewart, Earl of Moray in the blockbuster ‘Mary Queen of Scots’.

James received widespread acclaim for his role in ‘Angels in America’, for which he was nominated for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Laurence Olivier Awards, and won a Theatre World Award in 2018.

In early 2025, James appeared in the four-part ITV series ‘Playing Nice’ alongside James Norton.

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Your kindness has allowed the rare opportunity for Scotland to be represented at the world’s most prestigious drama school, and for that, I thank you. I am deeply honoured …

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2007 Awardee: Jamie Keen

I am so excited about the future because I believe in myself and believe that I can make it. Without the Dewar Award, I would not be who or where I am today. Words cannot express the gratitude that I have … because you have helped me in reaching the beginning of my career.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD:
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

A former pupil of the Dance School of Scotland in Knightswood, Irvine’s Jamie Keen has his eyes firmly set on London’s West End theatres. Jamie is now studying Dance and Theatre Performance at Kent’s Bird College. His dance tutor considers Jamie to have the potential to become a dancer in either a classical/contemporary dance company or to enter into musical theatre. He is equally talented as a singer.

Jamie is described as a talented, dedicated and special performer with a rare energy and passion in his performance. He is a performer with ‘star quality’.

At the age of 12, Jamie danced the part of Young Romeo in the Scottish Ballet’s 2000 tour of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. While he was at Knightswood’s Dance School he performed in front of Princess Anne and more recently he was involved in the premier showing of the new advanced two modern theatre dance syllabus for the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dance.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help support Jamie through his studies in Dance and Theatre Performance at the Bird College.

Since the Award

In 2009, Jamie graduated from Bird College with a first class degree.  He writes, “I have learned that living as an artist is never going to be easy. Times will be tough, for example when there are very little performing jobs around meaning income is never secure. However, living as an artist is also extremely rewarding. ..Entertaining people takes them to a place where they can forget all about their own personal troubles and make them smile. That to me is the best feeling in the world, when you can see that you are making other people happy.”

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I am so excited about the future because I believe in myself and believe that I can make it. Without the Dewar Award, I would not be who or where I am today. Words cannot express the gratitude that I have … because you have helped me in reaching the beginning of my career.

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