FIFE COLLEGE marked its 125th anniversary with a special ceremony in Dunfermline on Thursday. 

College representatives and guests celebrated the legacy of one of Scotland’s pioneering educational institutions.

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."

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The college can trace its roots back to October 10, 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 of the college.

Recently acquired by the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, the key was a symbol of the College’s rich historical foundations.

The gathering included a symbolic walk to the old Lauder Technical School building in Skibo Court.

Former George Lauder Bursary recipients, along with key guests such as Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife, and Janet McCauslin, Chair of Dunfermline Carnegie Trust, all 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.

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Annabelle Ewing MSP for Cowdenbeath highlighted the remarkable anniversary in a Members’ Debate brought by her SNP colleague, David Torrance on a motion celebrating 125 years of learning at Fife College.

She said: "Such foresight was shown in 1899 to establish a place of learning to provide opportunities for all and to contribute to the economic prosperity of communities across Fife.

"As MSP for the Cowdenbeath constituency, I have seen first-hand the key role that Fife College has played in ensuring that all young people have a chance in life—a chance to learn a trade; a chance to pursue their interests in myriad courses; and a chance to start their journey into the world of work.

“When I was Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, which was some years ago, I had the opportunity to work to ensure that the developing the young workforce programme, which was devised under the leadership of Sir Ian Wood, was put into practice. I know how enthusiastically schools across Fife and Fife College took up that programme.

“We have also seen close relationships between the schools and the college across the kingdom, all of which are intended to ensure that young people have options for their future and that no one—but no one—is written off.

"There is no single road to travel, and it is important that we do all that we can to ensure that young people know and understand that.

“I wish all staff at the college all the very best with the 125th-anniversary celebrations, and I take this opportunity to thank them for all that they do to make a difference to the lives of young people across Fife and beyond.”

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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 includes a Lauder Lecture where members of the Lauder family, including George Lauder’s Great-Great Grandson, William Garner will be in attendance.

Fife College will also unveil a new scholarship programme to mark the anniversary, put on a puppet show in schools to tell the history of the college and a talk by OnFife's Sharron McColl on Lauder's legacy. Mr Metcalfe added: “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."