The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Gavin finds his degree most hospitable
A Dunfermline student has graduated with flying colours after winning a new university scholarship to look at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in the tourism and events sector.
Former Beath High pupil Gavin Baxter, 27, was awarded it by Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh.
With its specialisms in tourism and events, the university has teamed up with US-based TravelAdvocates to offer the scholarship to up to two students a year over the next three years. It helps QMU students carry out their own independent research into the current LGBT issues affecting the industry.
Gavin used his to help fund his final dissertation project, which focused on what motivated people to attend this year’s Edinburgh Pride Festival, including post-Brexit political factors.
He also got the opportunity to work in the USA and Canada via the Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation.
Gavin graduated with a BA (Hons) events management and is now working as a conference host for Crowne Plaza Hotels in Edinburgh and hopes to develop his career by continuing to travel internationally and work on large scale major events.
He said the scholarship didn’t just provide a chance to enhance coursework but also to meet inspirational and fantastic people.
He said: “From being the shy individual and being scared to express my passion for the events industry, the lecturers, students’ union and fellow students have helped me come out of my shell and celebrate the amazing opportunities that have come my way in the past two years.”