YPI Scotland

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of The Wood Foundation Founder, Sir Ian Wood.

Sir Ian established The Wood Foundation in 2007, with a simple but ambitious belief: that every person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of circumstances. Through his vision, generosity and unwavering commitment, the foundation has worked for nearly 20 years, alongside partners, communities and organisations to create lasting opportunities for young people, strengthen education and improve livelihoods in Scotland and across East Africa.

Those that knew Sir Ian will remember not only his remarkable achievements in business and philanthropy but also his determination, humility and deep sense of responsibility to others. He believed passionately that real and lasting change comes through partnership, long-term commitment and investing in people.

His vision has shaped every aspect of the Wood Foundation’s work. Today, that work continues with the same purpose and ambition that inspired him form the very beginning.

Our thoughts are with Lady Helen Wood, their children, grandchildren and the wider Wood family at this difficult time. We also recognise the many colleagues, partners and friends around the world, who were privileged to work alongside Sir Ian and who will feel his loss deeply.

Although we mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, we remain committed to carrying forward the values he lived by. The greatest tribute we can pay Sir Ian is to continue the work that mattered so much to him: creating opportunity, supporting communities and helping future generations realise their potential.

Sir Ian’s legacy will endure - both through the continued success of the foundation’s work and in his belief that every individual deserves the chance to succeed in life.

Another amazing example of the impact of YPI not just on our young people but for the charities that benefit.

Congratulations to students at Gairloch High School for their hard work and making this new shed possible.

What an absolutely outstanding achievement from pupils at Falkirk High School, organising a whole school fun day to support and raise funds for their YPI winning charity Strathcarron Hospice

What a day at Falkirk High! A huge well done to everyone who took part in the FHS Fun Run, Steps for Strathcarron, which raised £2,023 for Strathcarron Hospice. 👏

From walking and running to dressing up and taking part in activities, it was great to see so many pupils getting involved for such an important cause.

A special thanks to our S2 Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) winners for organising the event and helping raise support for Strathcarron Hospice in its 45th year. 💙

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This is why we do what we do.

How amazing to see YPI funds put to such good use and to see a team of young people who have worked so hard to advocate for a charity get to see the very real outcome of their hard work.

Lovely gesture from Dundee Age Concern for their winning YPI team at St Paul's Academy.

Don't forget to tune in this Saturday to hear the team from Millburn Academy Inverness talk about their YPI success!

Lovely words from the winning charity at Dunfermline High School.

We were absolutely delighted to welcome Katie, Hali, Lydia, Rachel and Rose from Dunfermline High School for a visit to our hub yesterday 💛

These amazing young people chose Seescape as their charity for their Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) project. For those who don’t know, S3 students research a chosen charity and present on the work they do, progressing through a series of rounds… and we’re so proud to say that these girls not only made the final, but won! 🎉

In doing so, they’ve secured vital funding to support our work – something we are incredibly grateful for.

They didn’t stop there either. Going above and beyond, they set themselves an extra challenge to celebrate our 160th year – aiming to raise £160. They smashed that target by running 160 laps of a track (in the rain no less! 🌧️) and raised an incredible £170.

It was a joy to meet them in person – such inspiring, thoughtful and committed young people, and a real credit to their families and school.

Thank you again, girls – you should be so proud of everything you’ve achieved 👏

With 2 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities finishing up for summer today and the rest finishing over the next week, we would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the young people, practitioners and charities for taking part in YPI this year.

Together, you’ve helped make possible!
We look forward to re-connecting with schools on your return from summer break.