Two Fife College students are celebrating after being awarded £600 scholarships from the Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries to help them take the next step in their creative education.
Chloe Watson, from Burntisland, and Emily Clark, from Dunfermline, have been recognised for their talent, commitment and passion for their chosen creative disciplines.
Having completed her HND Art and Design at Fife College, Chloe is now preparing to continue her studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands, with the scholarship helping to cover her remaining tuition fees and secure her place.
Chloe said:
“This has made it possible for me to pay my remaining tuition fees and ensure my place at university. I am so overwhelmed and intend to continue my educational journey with the same vigour.”
Emily recently completed an HND in Jewellery at Fife College and will go on to study at the University of Dundee. She plans to use her scholarship to invest in specialist tools, books and materials that will support her to further develop her creative practice.
Emily said:
“Winning this scholarship benefits me in so many different ways - one of the main ways is that it will help me purchase different materials and tools that I haven’t been able to get including a saw, files, hammer, burrs, drill heads, books plus materials such as silver and gemstones.”
The Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries Scholarship is designed to support Fife College students completing HND-level study in Jewellery, Art and Design, Visual Communication or 3D Interior Design, who are progressing to degree-level or other higher-level study.
Two £600 awards are made each year to students who demonstrate commitment to their course, excellent attendance and a passion for their chosen creative subject. The scholarship reflects the Friends’ wider commitment to supporting education and the creative talent of the future. Since 2018, 13 students have been sponsored for grants worth a total of £7800.
The Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries are a group of volunteers who work to encourage more people to visit and enjoy the art collections and museum pieces at Kirkcaldy Galleries, located beside Kirkcaldy Library and the town's railway station.
The group raises funds each year to support the development of the Galleries, with the scholarship forming part of its work to create opportunities for talented students and help nurture the next generation of creative talent.
Andrew Lowrie, Chair of the Friends’ committee said:
“The Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries are delighted to be able to continue sponsorship of students from Fife College.
“The two students awarded sponsorship this year have shown great dedication and talent and it was interesting to hear their personal stories which influenced some of their work. This collaboration between the Friends and Fife College has existed for many years and we are pleased to be able to support these students as they further their careers.
“I would also like to give grateful thanks to Friends committee members Yvonne Kirkwood and Elma MacIntyre for their work co-ordinating our sponsorship initiative with Fife College.”
Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, said:
“We are delighted to recognise Chloe and Emily through these scholarships and to see the difference this support can make as they take the next step in their educational journeys.
“Both students have demonstrated their commitment to their studies and their passion for their chosen creative disciplines. Support such as this can make a real difference, whether it helps a student meet the cost of tuition or gives them the opportunity to invest in the specialist tools and materials they need to develop their skills.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries for their continued support of Fife College students and their commitment to investing in the creative talent of the future. Their generosity helps students like Chloe and Emily pursue their ambitions and make the most of their next steps.”
The Friend of Kirkcaldy Galleries scholarship forms part of the Adam Smith Scholarships programme, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. One of the largest college scholarship programmes in Scotland, it awards thousands of pounds each year to support students, create opportunities and help transform lives.
For further information about scholarships at Fife College, visit the Adam Smith Scholarships page or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.