The woman behind the Trust
Who was Betty Ross?
Betty Ross was a creative, independent and determined Perthshire woman whose wish to remain in her own home now helps shape the work of the Trust that bears her name.
Her early life
A Perthshire story
Born Nancy Betty Fergusson shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, Betty was the second daughter of renowned Perthshire cricketer J.A. Fergusson and his wife Kathleen. Her father owned Perth’s Queen’s Hotel, and Betty’s early years were closely connected to the hospitality industry and life in Perthshire.
A creative and independent woman, Betty had a lifelong love of the arts. She enjoyed ballet, music and painting, was a talented cook, and often designed and made her own clothes.
Creative by nature
Betty’s interests stretched from ballet and music to painting, cooking, dressmaking and design.
Strongly independent
She valued freedom and self-reliance, and remained determined to shape her own surroundings and way of life.
Forward-thinking
Her care for wildlife and the environment led her to embrace greener living long before it became commonplace.
A home of her own
Designed around the life she wanted
One of Betty’s greatest achievements was creating the bungalow she called home. Designed to her own specifications and built within the grounds of the former family home, it reflected both her creativity and determination.
For a time, she even ran a small bed and breakfast there, welcoming visitors from around the world. The bungalow became far more than a house. It was the centre of the independent life Betty chose for herself.
Animals and the environment
Always looking ahead
Betty was passionate about animals, wildlife and the natural environment. She shared her home with two much-loved wire-haired terriers, Shaun and Paddy, and embraced environmentally friendly living long before it became commonplace.
In later life she installed solar panels and modern insulation, demonstrating the same practical and forward-thinking outlook that shaped so many parts of her life.
Still helping people
Her independence became her legacy
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Betty’s life was her determination to remain independent. With the support of friends, neighbours, carers and the wider community, she was able to continue living in the home she loved until shortly before her 100th birthday.
Her experience of growing older at home, supported by practical help and care, inspired the values that sit at the heart of The Betty Ross Trust today.
Through the Trust, her legacy continues by helping older people across Perthshire maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life for as long as possible.
Continuing Betty's legacy
Find out how the Trust can help
Grants are available to eligible people aged 60 and over, and to organisations supporting older people across Perthshire.