Charles Gordon was born 1866 and brought up in the family home of Reekimlane, in the Cabrach.
He taught as schoolmaster at the Cabrach school also Mortlach, Dufftown and the Gordon schools Huntly until the late 19th century.
While at college in Aberdeen training to be a school master he was seated next to James Grant, son of William Grant of Glenfiddich. Through this meeting Charles was introduced to the sister of James, Isabella Grant of Dufftown who he went on to marry in 1887.
Charles was appointed to the role of sales Director for William Grant and Sons. Around this time he and his brother in law, Charles Grant went to Glasgow where they set up a base from which they might operate their new wholesale and export trade.
It was a tough business and Charles Gordon reportedly made 181 calls before making his first sale of one dozen bottles but the importance of export sales was very clear to Charles, making regular visits to Canada to establish markets there and in 1908 taking an epic tour of the Far East and Australia, taking in Singapore, China, Japan, Manila and New Zealand.
In 1911 Charles then embarked on his first tour of the European Low Countries and Scandinavia, proving instrumental in the success story of William Grant and Sons.
Charles held this position till his death in 1929 but he never forgot his roots in education.
The Charles Gordon Bursaries were established in memory of the late Charles Gordon as it was his will to support educational opportunities for young people in the remote Cabrach community. Young people living in the Cabrach are invited to apply for an education grant of up to £1000 to assist with the cost of their studies, equipment or accommodation at secondary school, college or university.
The bursaries are administered by The Cabrach Trust, which was set up to develop a thriving community in the Cabrach – said to be one of the birthplaces of the Scotch whisky industry – and offering opportunities for both residents and visitors to enrich their lives.
The Charles Gordon Bursaries have been in existence for over 80 years and the Gordon family’s bequest has enabled many children and young people who live in the Cabrach to further their studies at school, college or university by providing significant financial support. Charles Gordon was proud to be the Schoolmaster at the Upper Cabrach School and wanted to give something back to his local community.
The Charles Gordon Bursaries have been in existence for over 80 years and the Gordon family’s bequest has enabled many children and young people who live in the Cabrach to further their studies at school, college or university by providing significant financial support. Charles Gordon was proud to be the Schoolmaster at the Upper Cabrach School and wanted to give something back to his local community.
The Cabrach Trust is rightfully proud to administer the Charles Gordon Bursaries on behalf of the Gordon family. Community regeneration is inextricably linked to opportunity and for young people, opportunity is so often inextricably linked to education,
Jonathan Christie, Chief Executive, The Cabrach Trust
Administration of the bursaries
The Cabrach Trust administer the Charles Gordon Trust Bursaries.
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must live in the Cabrach and attend Secondary School, College or University. A maximum grant of £1,000 is available to students to assist with educational costs..
To apply please complete and submit the form below.
