AN EMPLOYEE from Chivas Brothers in Kilmalid encouraged her sister to apply for the company’s bursary scheme in order to fund her dream job - and she was successfully awarded £1,500.

The programme offers financial support to employees and their family members, championing them to undertake further education or training.

Shelley Thomson, an operations and manufacturing graduate at the Dumbarton site urged her sister Marnie to apply and she was given the money to fund an access to engineer course.

Aspiring engineer Marnie said: “I have always had an interest in engineering. My father has always been in the mechanics trade, but since becoming a mother to two children I have put my dream on hold.

“Thanks to the generosity of Chivas Brothers I will be able to pay for childcare while I’m studying. I hope this will help to set a good example to my children showing them it is never too late to follow your dreams and do something you’re passionate about.”

With the bursary scheme now in its third year, the company has awarded a total of £15,000 to students across the country.

Sandrine Ricard, head of sustainability and responsibility, at Chivas Brothers, said: “We’re really proud of this initiative and hope that it continues.”