Trusting and protecting communities through regular, unrestricted funding

Betty moved to the Isle of Arran in the mid-1950s, where she met and married local bank accountant Roy Ure. After he sadly passed away in 1981, Betty found comfort in her pets, her friendships, and her community. In 2002, when Betty inherited a trust of £150,000 from a distant relative, she saw an opportunity to give back.

Ronnie Anderson, Betty’s investment manager, recommended setting up a fund with Foundation Scotland. He said: "One of the highlights of my year was a visit to Betty, but it was a blessing to handover all the grant-making arrangements to the Foundation."

To stay anonymous, Betty named her fund the Abington Trust. With her blessing, the fund was renamed the Betty and Rory Ure Fund after she passed away. The fund has grown through modest donations, the residual value of the estate, and prudent investment management. Each year, Betty’s nominated charities and community groups are given a wee boost of unrestricted funding. Most are local organisations on Arran, with a few larger charities such as the SSPCA and RSPB Scotland.

In 2025, 21 organisations received £1,260 each. A small pot of funding is often reserved for specific projects, such as the Arran Junior Sailing Club’s fleet renewal. Over the years, the fund has awarded more than £325,000.

"The Arran community works hard to provide a rich programme of cultural events, but our own resources would never give us the chance to hear internationally renowned professional musicians as we can from time to time. Countless people here have benefitted from Betty’s generosity, and I know I can speak for all of them in sending appreciation and heartfelt thanks. One of the beneficiaries of local funding."