A SCHOLARSHIP in memory of a former Fife College member of staff, Brian Mankelow, has been awarded to two students at a special ceremony with one of them from Cowdenbeath.

Erin Duffy (18), is from Cowdenbeath; and Richard Dempster (37), is from Dunfermline, and they were delighted to be the first to receive awards in Brian’s name.

Brian worked with the Estates Team at the College’s Halbeath Campus for 21 years, but sadly died last November aged 64.

The Estates Team were keen to do something in memory of Brian and so approached the Adam Smith Foundation, the College’s scholarship programme - Marshall Construction were also contacted and were keen to get involved and so the Brian Mankelow Scholarship was created.

Gaynor Jamieson, Trust Fundraiser, welcomed everyone to the presentation which was held at the College’s Halbeath Campus. Brian’s wife Anne also attended along with daughters, Sharon and Julie and sister-in-law Helen.

Erin Duffy, 18, was delighted to receive the Award. The ambitious young painter and decorator has just completed an NPA Painting and Decorating course and plans to start her own painting and decorating company when she finishes her apprenticeship.

The talented student is no stranger to success after winning second place in a national painting and decorating competition held recently at the College.

Said Erin: “I was over the moon to be awarded a scholarship of £1250!

"This will enable me to buy tools for my trade to help me to learn more and invest in my future business.”

Erin was accompanied to the awards ceremony by her parents who praised Erin for her commitment to her College work which she carries out alongside helping her family care for her sister who has a spinal disability.

Award winner Richard has just completed his course in NC Built Environment and is going on to study HND Quantity Surveying after the summer with the aim of completing a degree in Quantity Surveying longer term.

Said Richard: “Winning this scholarship means a lot – being recognised for my achievements at College is a great feeling. The funding will also mean I can purchase equipment I need to progress in my studies such as a drawing board and set squares.

“By gaining qualifications and scholarship awards, Anne Mankelow was delighted to attend the event with her family and said: “I feel really touched that the College’s Adam Smith Foundation has set up this scholarship to support students in memory of Brian.”

Derek Clarke, from Marshall Construction, a family owned company, said: “College is a great stepping stone on to further education or employment and most of the staff at Marshall Construction have benefitted from College at some point in their life. We were keen to give something back to the community and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

“Both Richard and Erin are great examples of how you can progress with a bit of hard work and support and we are delighted to help support them in memory of Brian.”