In 1994, Angela was accepted to study HND Applied Chemistry at Fife College. Her time as a student was not without difficulty. Assessments often needed to be resat, and the workload could be overwhelming, yet Angela never gave up. She embodied persistence, working tirelessly until she achieved her goals.

Her determination paid off. In 1996 she successfully completed her HND and was awarded the prize for best HND Science Project which was recognition not only of her ability but of her commitment to improvement. That same year, she progressed to a BSc in Environmental Chemical Analysis. Balancing study with personal challenges, including the critical illness of her brother following a serious car accident, Angela continued to push forward. She graduated in 1997 and was proud of what she had achieved.

Angela often spoke of how much she loved her time at college. She embraced every opportunity it offered her, making friends, learning from her tutors, and building her confidence. Even in later illness, she said that her years at Fife College had been amongst the happiest of her life.

After graduating, Angela joined Fife College as a Chemistry Technician, a role in which she gave back to the same learning environment that had supported her. She later went on to work for the North of Scotland Water Authority, beginning what promised to be a bright career in science.

But in early 1998, Angela’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She faced her illness with courage and strength, continuing to live with positivity despite the challenges. Angela married her husband Garry shortly before she passed away with bowel cancer in 1999 at the age of just 23.

One of Angela’s final wishes was that she would be remembered at Fife College. Thanks to her family, friends, tutors, and colleagues, that wish became reality. In 2000, a flowering shrub (Mahonia Japonica Bealei) was planted at the Priory Campus in Kirkcaldy which was a former Fife College site located between Victoria Road and Kirkcaldy Harbour. This was created as a living tribute to her memory. At the same time, the Angela Stewart-Grant Scholarship was established to support students studying science.

The scholarship reflected Angela’s own journey. It was not intended for only the top performing students, but for those who, like Angela, had shown resilience and commitment. The scholarship was to be used to provide someone a well-deserved treat around Christmas time – these were Angela’s wishes.

For Angela’s family, the scholarship became a source of comfort and pride. In letters to the college, her mother Sandra wrote of how much it meant to see Angela’s memory live on, and how grateful the family was for the warmth and kindness shown by staff and students. For the recipients, the award gave a pat on the back and a well-deserved boost.

Now, more than two decades on, Angela’s story continues to inspire. At the new Dunfermline City Campus, her name is honoured with a plaque in the science lab, ensuring that new generations of students will learn about her journey. The plaque carries a QR code linking to this memorial, so that her story is not only remembered but shared.

Angela will always be remembered at Fife College as a student, graduate, colleague, and friend. The scholarship created in her memory has helped generations of students follow their dreams and her story continues to be an inspiration to us all.

If you are interested in finding out more about our scholarship programme please drop us an email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.