Two Fife College students have been awarded a Bryan McCabe-Bell Scholarship by the College’s Adam Smith Foundation. 

Calum Robertson, from Kirkcaldy, and Kimberly Nelson, from Glenrothes, have received the scholarships which are offered through the Foundation by College Faculty Director for Business, Enterprise, Tourism and Supported Programmes Bryan McCabe-Bell.

The scholarships, awarded by Bryan as he prepares to retire from the College after 25 years, come with a monetary prize which will be used by Calum and Kimberly to support the next steps in their education journey.

Open to students studying full-time courses within the faculty, the scholarships have been awarded to Calum and Kimberly for their dedication to their course, high levels of attendance and clear desire to use their qualifications to enhance their career prospects. 

Calum, who is currently studying a Future Pathways course, will use the scholarship award to support his plans to move on to an Engineering Gateway course. Calum said:  

“I was very happy to receive the scholarship. I have a learning disability and having my own laptop will help me with my studies. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

Kimberly, who is applying to study BA Heritage and Tourism at Stirling University in the future, said: “I am absolutely over the moon to be selected! I have been taking driving lessons, to enable me to drive before I start at university next year, so I'll either put the money towards them, or towards tuition fees for my current course. Thank you so much!”

Bryan McCabe-Bell, from Kirkcaldy, retires from his Director role this month following 25 years of service across a number of roles at Fife College within the Faculty.

Bryan’s remarkable career has made a very positive difference to many students, colleagues and individuals over the years. His knowledge and experience, within the business and hospitality sectors in particular, has made an impact on shaping education in these areas at both a national and regional level. 

Bryan’s generosity has also seen him support and take on various community and charitable roles, especially within his hometown of Kirkcaldy, proving an excellent role model to his students and colleagues.

Bryan, said: “I wanted to give something back to the students who have made my career possible – I believe education is a gift and something that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in.

“I’ve been delighted to personally support scholarships through the Adam Smith Foundation over the last few years. Awarding Calum and Kimberly, two hard working and committed students, with this year’s scholarships is a very fitting way to end my time at the College. I’m sure they will both go on to have interesting and fulfilling careers after their studies.”

Reflecting on his career at the College, which incredibly included just six days of absence, Bryan added:

“I have had a wonderful 25 years and worked with some amazing colleagues along the way, but it is the student successes and the transforming of people’s lives that has meant the most to me during my time. I wish all of the students and staff at Fife College the very best for the future.”

The Adam Smith Foundation is Fife College’s scholarship programme and awards thousands of pounds each year to support students, develop opportunities, open doors and transform lives.

For further details about scholarships at Fife College, visit the Adam Smith Foundation page or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.