Court Office

Ferguson Bequest

Professor Tom Ferguson bequeathed his estate to the University in 1977, with the instruction that the money be used "in any way likely to foster the social side of University life, and in particular the welfare and social activities of staff"

The Estate also stipulated that the funds "should not be used for departmental activities, nor what might reasonably be regarded as necessary or ordinary day-to-day expenditure"

The University Court established the Ferguson Bequest Committee to administer the funds and agreed that the use of the money should not be restricted to the benefit of academic staff. At various meetings the Committee agreed that corporate memberships should be taken out by the University. The corporate membership schemes are administered centrally by the Court Office.

Staff can access Attraction Tickets, and enter Ticket Ballots, by logging in to MyGlasgow for Staff - we are undergoing an update as of March 2025. We are working hard on updates, and anticipate attraction tickets will be available in the coming months!

Staff may also apply for funding for clubs or societies, or staff with an idea for a one-off event, or series of events, that can bring staff together from across the University in a social environment. *funding applications for 2025 are now open*

For queries, you can contact the Ferguson Bequest Admin Officer, Sarah Finlayson: fergusonbequest@glasgow.ac.uk 

Terms & Conditions

• Attraction and Ballot tickets are available to any member of staff of the University holding a contract of employment with the University. This does not include registered honorary / affiliate status holders or individuals employed directly by other organisations but paid via the University payroll.
• Staff may apply for 3 attractions per calendar year and enter as many ticket ballots as they wish - staff may win one ballot. Ballot winners will be removed from further ballots.
• Bookings are made on-line at MyGlasgow via the Ferguson Bequest. Instructions for booking will be emailed to you directly when you apply. Tickets and e-ticket codes cannot be applied retrospectively, so please do not book attractions in advance without the instructions.
• Please, please, do not apply if you are unable to attend – we want everyone to have a chance to obtain some tickets! If you believe you will not be able to use tickets, please contact fergusonbequest@glasgow.ac.uk immediately. However, if these cannot be reallocated then it may affect further requests for tickets in the same calendar year. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, you cannot attend a pre-booked attraction, you may not request further tickets for that attraction within the same year.
• It is your responsibility to ensure attractions and shows are suitable for all members of your party before booking. During visits, staff should be mindful that they are representing the University of Glasgow and ensure they, and members of their party, conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the University and its values.
• Tickets are non-transferable and should not be passed to another person. Tickets are equivalent to one entry and cannot be used as a substitution for monetary value towards goods and/or services.
• The University is in no way liable or responsible for other costs incurred during visits, nor attraction cancellations or closures.
• Staff are required to present their staff card and confirmation email, as well as any entry tickets, on the day. Failure to do so will result in entry being denied or full charges applied.