A North-east businessman whose mother and uncle suffered from debilitating mental disorders in the latter part of their lives has given a major donation to Aberdeen researchers involved in the very latest brain research.
It is the third gift that Thomas Tait has bestowed on the University of Aberdeen from the estate of his uncle Ernest Tait who, together with his brother William, ran the former Tait Paper Mill in Inverurie.
This latest legacy is worth a total of £196,000 and the bulk of it - £171,000 - will allow the University to further develop its extensive neuroscience expertise. Groundbreaking research is currently underway in a range of areas, which include Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.
One of the areas being examined by scientists is the impact of cannabis on the brain and how this kind of mechanism could be replicated to offset the worst effects of memory loss and mental disintegration accompanying dementia.
Mr Tait offered to make a donation after he toured the University's Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and heard about its neuroscience research.
However, he extended his generosity even further after meeting fourth year student Laura Farmer, from Bangor , Northern Ireland , who was carrying out research over the summer in one of the IMS labs. Mr Tait offered another £25,000 to fund an innovative new University scheme called Hotstart which provides summer placements at the IMS for students like Laura.
Mr Tait said: “I was inspired by her enthusiasm, commitment and her intelligence. She also had the gift of the gab!”
Twenty-one-year-old Laura, who is studying Biomedical Science, and specialising in Pharmacology, added: “It's terrific that the University is getting this funding from Thomas Tait for summer placements for undergraduate students. My time in the lab was a great experience and has given me a real headstart.
“It also allowed me to carry out more in-depth and precise techniques at a higher level than is normally possible in the classroom. I think funding of this kind for Hotstart will attract more people to study science in Aberdeen .”
Mr Tait, whose mother suffered from dementia and whose uncle had Alzheimer's Disease, said of the donation: “I've long had an interest in the workings of the brain and I was amazed to see the high quality research which is taking place within premier facilities right here on our doorstep in Aberdeen.
“I hope the donation will help develop the work which is ongoing at the IMS and also help attract even more high calibre people to Aberdeen . Also I do hope that this donation will encourage others as it is a tremendous facility”
Professor Ian Booth, Deputy Director of the IMS, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the generosity of Thomas Tait in recognising the pioneering research being undertaken within the University's Institute of Medical Sciences .
“We are also extremely grateful that he was inspired by the joyful enthusiasm of Laura Farmer who was able to explain the benefits to young scientists that funding a scheme like Hotstart brings to their careers.
“Thanks to Mr Tait we can now have another 25 summer placements on Hotstart which is a great scheme for students as it inspires and enthuses them and allows them to work with some of our best scientists.”
Mr Tait has been a generous benefactor to the University via his uncle's estate. Earlier this he handed over a cheque for £250,000 to the University's Ophthalmology department and the charity Saving Sight in Grampian to help with the development of Scotland 's first eye bank.
Shortly afterwards he presented another £250,000 which will enable the ophthalmology department – headed by Professor John Forrester – to carry out research into a degenerative eye condition which affects many people by the time the reach their 80s.