James McAvoy, one of Scotland's brightest stars of stage and screen, made the journey from Drumchapel to Hollywood, with considerable talent, skill and some degree of charm.

And now, he announces today, he wants to help other Scottish youth - who could not afford it otherwise - to attend drama classes at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). His new scholarship, which will last a decade, is a laudable example of successful members of society "giving back".

And while the scholarship funds, open to those who prove that lack of money is proving a block to making the most of their theatrical talents, are a boon to those that receive them, it also provides benefits in other ways. First the RCS, who will teach the students in their Junior Conservatoire and Short Courses, will be able to develop talented youngsters who would otherwise not be there.

Also, if those students continue in dramatic careers, we will all benefit as their talent flourishes and is revealed to the wider public. McAvoy himself credits an enterprising teacher with introducing him to drama, by organising a visit from actor David Hayman to his school, and now he is providing the same kind of inspiration to a new generation of youngsters who, like McAvoy has, can begin to make the most of their talents.