Edinburgh Napier University receives largest ever gift

A long-time supporter has left £750,000 in his Will to support young classical musicians. Philanthropist Ian Tomlin's gift to Edinburgh Napier University is the largest ever received, matching support through scholarships and annual donations during his lifetime. Dr Tomlin's support for music at the university established the Ian Tomlin centre for music and a clinic for hearing disabilities. Funding specialist teaching The gift will be used to fund “the study, teaching and performance of classical music” providing masterclasses, specialist lessons, workshops and concerts as well as investing in equipment and teaching resources. Dr Tomlin, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters by the university in 1995, settled in Hong Kong and initially worked for trading company Butterfield and Swire. He then moved on to other business ventures, where he was introduced to the work of the university by a friend. Dr Tomlin continued his support for the university after he retired to Malta and set up the Malta/Napier Music Scholarship Trust. "Extraordinary, selfless generosity" Nicholas Ashton, co-programme leader for BMus (Hons) at Edinburgh Napier, said: “The training of these young people would not have been possible were it not for Ian’s extraordinary, selfless generosity. “He was the epitome of the philanthropist, a man who was driven by the desire to promote the welfare of others, and we are delighted his influence will continue to be felt here as his legacy gift supports the careers of the promising classical musicians of the future.” Find out more about leaving a gift to charity in your Will.