McAvoy launches 'groundbreaking' scholarship to help students attend nation's leading talent school

The Bafta-winning actor, who attended the RCS graduating from the BA Acting programme, is funding the scholarship programme to last for a decade, enabling young people to receive training at the junior conservatoire and the RCS's short courses.

To receive a James McAvoy Drama Scholarship, candidates will have to demonstrate that financial cost is the main barrier to accessing drama training at RCS.

Here, the actor tells why he wanted to create the scheme:

McAvoy, known across the world for his role in films such as the X-Men franchise, The Last King of Scotland, Atonement, Filth and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, revealed his scholarship fund opens in mid-May.

McAvoy's investment, the RCS said, is "ground breaking" and is aimed to nurture "the creative potential of young Scots who experience multiple barriers to participation".

The scholarships awarded annually to young Scots aged 25 and under who "find cost the main barrier to accessing pre-Higher Education drama training at RCS."

McAvoy, who graduated in 2000 and returned seven years ago to receive a fellowship, is also becoming a patron of the Junior Conservatoire of Drama.

He said: "I do believe it's important to reach out to people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds where there's a lot of heart and integrity but there's also a fear of stepping outside of what you know.

"I see tons of young people who are vastly intelligent, but because they have this ingrained humility, it gets in the way of them expressing themselves and showing how brilliant they are.

"Drama breaks through barriers and it can give people the tools to walk into a room and express themselves."

Jeffrey Sharkey, principal of the RCS, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have James McAvoy enable and inspire young people to be part of the Royal Conservatoire.

"I have no doubt of the profound and long-term impact his incredible support will have on individuals, their families and their communities.

"The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a world-class centre for the performance arts and is incredibly proud of the positive impact and contribution our students and graduates are making in so many ways across Scotland, and across the world, as creative contributors and engaged citizens."

Fiona Hyslop, culture secretary, said McAvoy's own life and career is an "inspiration."

She added: "Helping those who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to pursue drama at an outstanding institution like the Royal Conservatoire is a wonderful way to give back to the arts and to change the lives of young aspiring actors in Scotland.

"As a graduate himself, James shows just how far someone can go with the experience of the Royal Conservatoire behind them."

"I firmly agree with James that exposure to culture has a profound effect on young people and his long-term commitment to this through these scholarships is very much appreciated."

Doctor Who star David Tennant, Tom Conti, Alan Cumming and Robert Carlyle are all former students of RCS, which was formerly known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD).

Meanwhile Susan Boyle is to be given an honorary degree from the RCS for her contribution to music.

The singer will be presented with a doctorate by the Glasgow institution at a ceremony later this year.

Boyle, 54, from Blackburn, West Lothian, signed up for acting lessons at the music and drama academy last year and 20 members of its choir sang with her during her UK tour in 2013.

The singer achieved international fame with her television debut in 2009 when she sang I Dreamed A Dream - from the musical Les Miserables - on ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

Her first album in 2009, I Dreamed A Dream, was at the time the fastest-selling debut album ever. With the release of further four albums, she has since sold around 18 million albums worldwide and has 120 platinum and gold albums across 38 countries.