Arts scholarship launched in memory of Irvine's Dennan

Dennan Frew, whose grandparents still live in Springside, had ambitions to be a DJ and music producer after moving to Australia 14 years ago.

Sadly, after struggling with personal challenges, Dennan took his own life in November last year.

In his memory, Dennan’s aunt, Shona Frew, and the family have launched The Dennan Frew Arts and Resilience Scholarship at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

The scholarship is dedicated to supporting young aspiring artists, offering them the opportunity to use the arts as a tool for healing, creative expression, and growth.

Shona, a recent graduate from Middlesex University with a BA in Sound Engineering and Music Production, returned to the arts later in life.

She said: “Dennan’s passing has left an unfillable void in our lives, but through this scholarship, we hope to honour his memory and ensure his creative spirit and resilience continue to inspire and support young artists for generations to come.

"My own journey has shown me the power of the arts in fostering resilience and personal growth, which is why this initiative is so close to my heart.”

Shona added: “I’m an Ayrshire lassie at heart, born and raised in Springside. Though I’ve lived in London for over 25 years, my Scottish roots run deep, just as they did for Dennan.

"He and his mum, Diane, relocated and settled in Australia more than a decade ago, but his spirit and roots remained strong.

(Image: S) "Our family has always been closely tied to the community, with Dennan’s grandparents, my mother and father, Jim and Kit Frew, affectionately known to Dennan as Nonnie and Papa, still residing in Springside.

“My father, Jim, was a professional footballer for Hamilton Academicals in the 70s, and that same determination and passion for his craft is something both Dennan and I carried in our own love for music.

"He spent much of his childhood between his Nonnie and Papa’s in Springside and his late Gran Jeanette’s in Irvine, where his Aunt Gillian and Uncle Darren still live.”

Shona continued: “After retiring in 1983, my dad went on to coach Irvine Meadow and later Ardeer Thistle.

"Dennan had the natural talent and potential to be an incredible footballer himself, something my father always believed. However, his greatest love was music and dancing; he was happiest when surrounded by them and always dreamed of becoming a DJ.”

The Dennan Frew Arts and Resilience Scholarship is dedicated to supporting young creatives between the ages of 18 and 30, offering them the opportunity to study for one year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, in a performing arts discipline of their choice.

The scholarship is aimed at those who may not have the financial means to access such opportunities.

Shona added: “It’s about opening doors for those who truly need them, giving them a chance to pursue their passions in ways that might not otherwise be possible.

"This scholarship isn’t just about nurturing creative talent, it’s about recognising the deep connection between art, resilience, and mental well-being. More importantly, it’s about honouring Dennan's legacy.

“We don’t just want the world to know about our loss - we want the world to know his story. Not just the tragedy, but the incredible, vibrant, lively, and beautiful young man he was. This is for him.”

There is a PayPal link if anyone would like to make a personal contribution to the scholarship in Dennan's name here.

For more information, potential sponsorships, or collaborations, reach out at artsfordennan@outlook.com.