MORE than 140 students at Fife College will benefit from special scholarships to help with purchasing equipment and resources.

The awards, ranging from £50 to £300, have been provided by the Russell Trust and were presented at an event at Carnegie Conference Centre, where some of this year's recipients were recognised for their hard work and dedication to their studies.

The scholarship is one of the most substantial funds of its type offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, and contributes £15,000 annually to support students.

One of this year's winners, Douglas Murphy, who lives in Dunfermline and studies HNC Additional Support Needs, Supporting the Individual, said: "I am over the moon about winning the scholarship award.

"Adding this to my CV will hopefully give me the edge when applying for future employment.

"As a mature student, it has been financially difficult attending college and juggling family life.

"This award will make a huge difference to me and my family."

Another recipient, HND Art and Design student Amy Syczynski, added: "I feel very grateful to have received this award as it will aid my final few months of my final year at college.

"I am currently planning my final projects for our HND art and design exhibit held at the end of the year, I will be able to use this money to fund all of the equipment and extra products, ensuring the final pieces will be the stars of the show."

The Russell Trust scholarships are the longest running of all scholarships at Fife College and have this year been handed out to 143 students.

Since its establishment in 1997, the programme has awarded almost £200,000 to more than 1000 winners.

Iona Russell, Trustee of the Russell Trust, said: "The Russell Trust is thrilled to provide scholarship awards to the students of Fife College and extends its heartfelt congratulations to all of this year's recipients.

"Sir David Russell, the founder of the Russell Trust, placed great emphasis on promoting higher education for the youth of Fife, and over 70 years later, it is fantastic to continue this through our Russell Trust Scholarship."