10 October 2024
Fife College has today (10 October) proudly marked a momentous occasion in its rich history, the 125th anniversary of its founding.
In a special gathering in Dunfermline, College representatives and guests celebrated the legacy of one of Scotland’s pioneering educational institutions.
The College traces its roots to 10 October 1899, when Lauder Technical School opened its doors, thanks to the vision of George Lauder and the generous financial backing of his nephew, the renowned philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Since then, the College has evolved through the years, becoming a cornerstone of learning and innovation in the Fife region.
A highlight of the event was the presence of the original ceremonial key, which was handed to the Dunfermline School Board by Andrew Carnegie during the opening in 1899. Recently acquired by the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, the key represents a symbol of the College’s rich historical foundations.
The College’s anniversary celebrations coincide with the launch of a bold new five-year Action Plan aimed at advancing the College's future.
Jim Metcalfe, Fife College Principal, said:
"Fife College exists to help students, staff, and communities thrive by providing opportunities for all, delivering outstanding education, and driving economic prosperity throughout the region.
“Our 125th anniversary is a historic event for the whole of Fife. It allows us to reflect on our commitment to innovation and technical education, while also setting the stage for our ambitious future plans.
“So, as we look back at 125 years of success, we also commence a new Action Plan to take the College forward. We will be updating our course offer, improving the student and customer experience, and working to make Fife College the best-in-class community college that the region and its people need us to be."
The gathering included a symbolic walk to the old Lauder Technical School building in Skibo Court with former George Lauder Bursary recipients, along with key guests such as Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife, and Janet McCauslin, Chair of Dunfermline Carnegie Trust, joined in celebrating the College’s 125-year journey.
Throughout the event, Tomm Campbell, a local actor dressed as George Lauder, highlighted the historical significance of the opening in 1899 and the legacy of Lauder and Carnegie.
Woodmill High School pupils Matthew L’Anson and Tegan Brooksby also played a key role in the event, symbolising the future of education in Fife. The College’s new campus, which will open in the 2025/26 academic year, is part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus – an innovative and collaborative project that will bring together the College, Woodmill High School, and St Columba’s RC in one purpose-built site.
The gathering to mark the 125th anniversary forms part of a wider series of events to celebrate the College’s anniversary in the coming weeks, which include:
- Lauder Lecture: Keith Webster, Dean of University Libraries at Carnegie Mellon University, will travel from Pittsburgh to deliver the ‘Lauder Lecture’ on 30 October, where he will explore Carnegie’s educational legacy, the evolution of Carnegie Mellon University, and the intersection of education, libraries, and the fourth Industrial Revolution.
- 125th Anniversary Scholarship Programme: The College will launch three new scholarships to empower and support students in their educational journey. This programme underscores the College’s vision of providing accessible education for all and reflects the spirit of philanthropy that birthed the College.
- 125th Anniversary Puppet Shows in Schools: Kindly funded by The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, puppet/storytelling shows will take in several Dunfermline Primary Schools in the coming weeks. These will tell the story of Lauder Technical School, the legacies of George Lauder and Andrew Carnegie and the connection with the current and new Fife College Dunfermline Campus.
- Lauder Talk: Lauder Talk: Lecture by Sharron McColl from Onfife on 'Lauder's Legacy to Dunfermline' will take place in Fife College on 3 December.
Members of the Lauder family, including George Lauder’s Great-Great Grandson, William Garner, will also travel from the USA later this month to attend the Lauder Lecture. William Garner awards an annual bursary for Fife College students to travel and study in the USA each year, celebrating the vision of George Lauder.
Offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, the Bursary is funded through annual contributions from the descendants of George Lauder and other friends of the College in the USA and administered by the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York. The Bursary is open to full-time or part-time students currently enrolled at Fife College and those who have studied at Fife College in the last four years.
As part of the 125th anniversary celebrations, the College is inviting all alumni, staff, and students to share their own Fife College memories. Whether it’s a story of a favourite lecturer, a life-changing lesson, or a special moment, the College want to hear from you.
How to Share Your Fife College Memories:
- Visit Fife College’s social media pages
- Share your stories using the hashtag #FifeCollege125
- You can also email your stories to alumni@fife.ac.uk
Photograph: Front left, actor Tomm Campbell, ‘George Lauder’, (group left to right) Tegan Brooksby, Woodmill HS School Captain, Matthew L’Anson, Woodmill HS School Captain, Janet McCauslin, Chair of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife, Jim Metcalfe, Fife College Principal, Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal – Enterprise & Partnerships at Fife College, Megan Simpson George Lauder Bursary recipient, Lyn Gold, Scholarships and Alumni Lead at Fife College, Julia Sherriffs George Lauder Bursary recipient, and Niamh Hogwood, George Lauder Bursary recipient are pictured at the old Lauder Technical School building in Skibo Court, Dunfermline on the 125th anniversary of Fife College. Credit: David Wardle