7 July 2026
Sir Ian Rankin, world-renowned author of the famous Rebus series of books, has visited Fife College to present the 2026 Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarships and meet this year’s winning students.
The event marked the 21st year of the acclaimed author’s annual scholarship, which has supported and celebrated creative talent from across the College since 2005. It was also Sir Ian’s first visit to Fife College’s new Dunfermline City Campus where he met scholarship recipients and staff during a special lunch event at The Academy Dunfermline, the College’s student-run training restaurant.
Each year, Sir Ian generously dedicates his time to reading and critiquing entries submitted by students from across a wide range of subject areas, providing feedback before attending the annual awards ceremony in person.
This year’s scholarship winners were Shannon Simpson, studying Advanced Beauty Techniques, Advanced Certificate Pathway to Social Science student Cameron Lyle and Shazia Rahaman, who is studying for an Advanced Certificate in Health and Social Care. Each recipient received a scholarship award of £600.
Sir Ian Rankin, said:
“I’m delighted to be able to give emerging student writers at Fife College a helping hand through this scholarship. Every year I’m impressed by the imagination, originality and ambition on display, and this year’s entries were particularly strong, with something to admire and enjoy in every submission.
“Meeting the winners in person is always a highlight. It’s encouraging to see students from such a wide range of subject areas embracing creative writing and developing their own distinctive voices. Congratulations to Shannon, Cameron and Shazia on their success. I look forward to seeing where their talent and creativity take them in the years ahead.”
Shannon Simpson won for What Should Stay Dead, which Sir Ian described as “a very good ghost story” with a twist that “gave me a shiver”.
Shannon, from Dunfermline, said:
“I feel really happy and proud to have achieved this and to be recognised through this creative writing scholarship. It’s given me a big confidence boost, and I’m excited to use the money to support my future plans.”
Cameron Lyle was recognised for To Be Good, which Sir Ian praised as “very different from anything I've read recently” and a “polished and convincing portrayal” of a character navigating life between cultures.
Cameron, from Cowdenbeath, said:
“The scholarship has been a big privilege to be able to win. To have my work critiqued by Ian Rankin himself allows me to have reassurance of the quality of work I can produce.
“This will allow me to have more confidence in my writing ability and try new avenues I previously wouldn’t. The £600 reward will be incredibly impactful for me, helping to fund driving lessons and philosophical books that will allow me to expand potential topics further for my future career and writing.”
Shazia Rahaman’s Window To The Soul impressed Sir Ian as a “beautifully written” story that successfully “compresses a big story into a small space”.
Shazia, from Glenrothes, said:
“I am so excited! I did not expect to win and am excited to use the money to further my driving progress and continue my studies.”
The award ceremony was attended by Fife College Principal Jim Metcalfe, Vice Principal Sarah-Jane Linton, members of the College Board, Liam Coakley and Dr Jacqui Hepburn, and lecturing staff who have supported the winning students throughout their studies.
As well as celebrating student achievement, the event provided valuable industry experience for students from the College’s Culinary Arts programmes, and also Media and Photography students who interviewed, filmed and photographed Sir Ian during the event.
Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, said:
“It is fantastic to celebrate the 21st year of the Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarship and to welcome Sir Ian to our new Dunfermline City Campus for the first time.
“For more than two decades, Sir Ian’s incredible generosity has helped inspire students to develop their creativity and confidence through writing. Having the opportunity to meet and receive feedback from one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors is an amazing and unique opportunity which will have a lasting positive impact on our students.
“Congratulations to Shannon, Cameron and Shazia on their well-deserved success. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, and they should be very proud of their achievements.”
The Adam Smith Scholarships at Fife College is among the largest programme of its kind in Scotland, annually awarding substantial funds to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
Photograph: Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarship winners Shazia Rahaman, Shannon Simpson and Cameron Lyle are pictured with Ian Rankin at The Academy restaurant at Fife College's Dunfermline City Campus.
Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarship 2024 winning entries:
- To Be Good by Cameron Lyle
- What Should Stay Dead by Shannon Simpson
- Window to the Soul by Shazia Rahaman