Two students have enjoyed an unforgettable summer of study in the USA after being awarded the prestigious George Lauder Bursary.
Cameron Reid and Erin Fox spent two months studying at leading American institutions, gaining academic, cultural and professional experiences that will help shape their future careers.
Offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, and coordinated with the support of William Garner, great-great-grandson of George Lauder, the George Lauder Bursary provides students with a fully funded study experience in the USA. Both students secured their places following a competitive application and interview process earlier this year.
Over the summer, Cameron completed courses in music production, recording, and beat-making at the world-famous Clive Davis Institute in New York City. Erin undertook Child Development and Development and Diversity: American Education studies at the historic George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Cameron, who is a former HND Sound Production student at the College, is currently in his fourth year at the University of the West of Scotland, studying BSc Music Technology.
Cameron, from Cairneyhill, said:
“I will forever be thankful to Fife College, the Adam Smith Scholarship team and the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York for allowing me to travel and live in New York City over the summer, as well as study at the incredible Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music to learn from some of the best audio engineers and producers in the world.
“Getting to experience life as an honorary New Yorker was nothing short of phenomenal, and it has influenced and impacted my life in the most amazing ways. I learned so much during my studies and managed to make some great connections and friendships. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life, and I cannot wait to go back.”
Current BA (hons) Childhood Studies student Erin, from Dunfermline, said:
“When I came back reluctantly from Washington, I left a great big part of me; the summer of 25, those were the best days of my life. This summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to study at The George Washington University. I have learned so much about the differences between Scotland and American education, poverty and the culture.
“I have grown in confidence, and I can’t thank the scholarship team, Saint Andrew’s Society and my sponsor enough for believing in me, giving me a chance and the opportunity. My motto is dream, believe and achieve. This has been a truly unforgettable experience, gaining new friends, opening horizons and cultural diversities.”
Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Lead at Fife College, said:
“We are extremely proud of Cameron and Erin, who both embraced the experience of living and studying in the USA wholeheartedly, shining as outstanding representatives of Fife College. This was an incredible opportunity for them both, which will have a lasting impact on their lives and careers.
“We extend our utmost gratitude to William Garner, the Lauder family, and the St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York for their unwavering support of this scholarship, and we are excited to have opened applications for summer 2026!”
The George Lauder Bursary is generously funded by the Lauder family and the St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York. It covers all expenses for two months, including travel, accommodation, food, and course fees. The bursary offers a life-changing opportunity each year to second-year HND students, those with equivalent qualifications, and recent graduates.
Applications for the 2026 George Lauder Bursary are now open. The closing date is Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at midnight.
For more information on how to apply for the 2026 George Lauder Bursary, visit the Adam Smith Scholarships page on the Fife College website or contact scholarships@fife.ac.uk.
You can also read more about Cameron and Erin’s journeys on their blogs: