Author Ian Rankin presents creative scholarships at Fife College.

Ian Rankin presents awards to talented trio at Fife College after he judged their work

Rebus author Ian Rankin awarded scholarships to three creative students from Fife College.

The crime writer took time out from his latest book to present Andrew Wilson, Isla Fairfield and Caitlin Sharkey with their award at a special celebration managed by the Adam Smith Foundation, which looks after the scholarship programme.

This year’s scholarship was open to students studying a wide range of creative courses including journalism, TV, radio and acting and performance.

To take part, students submitted a piece of creative writing which Ian judged.

Andrew, 20, from Aberdeenshire and Caitlin, 19, from Leven, both study HND Practical Journalism, while Dunfermline teenager Isla, 18, studies HND Acting and Performance.

Andrew was delighted to receive an Ian Rankin scholarship for the second year running.

The winning students joined Ian for lunch where he also gave an insight into his writing process.

The author said: “The scholarship programme is a great initiative and I am delighted to be involved and to give my support.

“I always look forward to reading the students’ work – each year they surprise me with their breadth of ideas, inspirations and talent.

“It was great to meet this year’s award winners in person and to also come home to Fife and Kirkcaldy for a short visit.”

Head of the creative industries department, Dougi McMillan, added: “Not only has Ian supported the award for the past 13 years, he also takes a great interest in the students’ work and gives up his time to review and judge their creative writing which is a very valuable experience for the students.

“Receiving a scholarship from such a well-known author as Ian Rankin means a great deal to the students and is a fantastic achievement which will help them secure future study, employment opportunities and provide some extra financial support which is always very welcome.”

Gaynor Jamieson, trust fundraiser for the Adam Smith Foundation, said: “Ian is extremely supportive and we are delighted that through his continued generosity we have awarded almost 40 students, since its creation, with an Ian Rankin writing scholarship, which is a great achievement.”

“I always look forward to reading the students’ work – each year they surprise me with their breadth of ideas, inspirations and talent. IAN RANKIN

From left: Isla Fairfield, Ian Rankin, Fife College principal Hugh Hall, Andrew Wilson and Caitlin Sharkey at the scholarship awards presentation.