Dunfermline: Education ministers tour new Fife College site

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP and Higher and Further Education minister Graeme Dey MSP were joined by representatives from the Scottish Funding Council for a recent tour.

Construction partners Balfour Beatty showed the group the latest progress as work continues at pace, using the latest construction processes to ensure the building is net-zero ready.

It is part of the new campus - a collaborative venture to relocate the college's Dunfermline campus, St Columba’s and Woodmill high schools to a purpose-built site.

The schools opened last week and the college is due to open its doors next year.

Ms Gilruth, a former St Columba's teacher, said it was important that students are able to access opportunities to further education easily and effectively as possible.

READ MORE: Pupils back to the classrooms as new £122m high schools open

"It is also crucial that their learning environments are fit for the future and support Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

"That is why the Scottish Government is providing up to £154.5m in capital investment to support Fife College’s vision for Dunfermline Learning Campus," she said.

“I have no doubt that these state-of-the-art facilities will be a huge asset for students in supporting the development of their skills, whilst playing an important role in supporting the economy of both the local area and wider across Scotland.”

Scottish education ministers enjoyed a tour of the new Fife College site on the Dunfermline Learning Campus. (Image: Fife College)

Principal Jim Metcalfe said: "Fife College has a close working partnership with our new neighbours of St Columba's and Woodmill.

"We’re delighted to work with them, and other schools across the region, to build a student-centred, innovative pathway for learners to move seamlessly from school, to college, and on to work and further study.

"The significant investment that the Scottish Government and the Funding Council are making into our new campus, at a time of financial challenge across the public sector, is an invaluable commitment to driving the college and regional economy forward.”

READ MORE: First day for St Columba's and Woodmill high schools

More than 17,000 students currently study either full-time or part-time at Fife College, which also hosts the Carnegie Conference Centre, a university hub and the Andrew Carnegie Business School.

Scottish education ministers enjoyed a tour of the new Fife College site on the Dunfermline Campus. (Image: Fife College)

Martin Boyle, interim chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council, added: “The Dunfermline Learning Campus will be unique in its ability to support people as they develop their potential from secondary school onwards, and go on to contribute to society and the economy.

“As a modern, flexible and low carbon campus, it will also be at the forefront of exciting changes around where and how we learn, and will become a fantastic asset to the Fife region.”