THREE lucky Fife College students have been awarded scholarships from one of the world’s leading crime writers, Ian Rankin, from Cardenden.

Rebus author, Ian took time from his busy schedule to meet with the three talented journalism students and to present them with their awards managed by the Adam Smith Foundation, the charitable trust of Fife College.

Ian was welcomed to the College by Hugh Logan, Principal; Deborah Miller, Vice Principal; and Pamela Caira, Trustee of the Adam Smith Foundation.

This year’s scholarship was open to all students studying HNC/D Practical Journalism, HND Creative Industries: Television, HND Creative Industries: Radio and NC Media Production. To take part, students had to submit a piece of creative writing and their work was read and judged by Ian Rankin himself.

As well as being awarded £600 each, the winning students Taylor Sneddon, James Cowan and James Jones, were also presented with a signed copy of Ian’s latest book ‘Saints of the Shadow Bible’.

Prior to the presentation, the students, who are all studying HND Practical Journalism, joined Ian for lunch where they chatted about their course work and related subjects. They then took part in a question and answer session which was also filmed by Journalism students.

Ian was delighted to once again visit the College and share his experiences with the students.

Said Ian, “The scholarship programme is a great initiative and provides many students with an extra bit of help and recognition while they study. It was great to meet the students and I really enjoyed reading their work. They had all written excellent short stories which I have promised I won’t steal!” Taylor Sneddon, (18) said, “I have a passion for writing and plan to use my scholarship award to buy books and to help towards going on to University after my course. I have a young son and juggling study with family life has been hard. Having the recognition of someone like Ian and meeting him was a dream come true and will help me to achieve my goals for the future.” James Cowan, also 18, was delighted to meet Ian Rankin and said, “I was very pleased and surprised to have won this scholarship and it was great to hear the feedback from Ian about my story which made me proud of my work. My time at College has been really enjoyable and I have learned a great deal about the world of journalism and met some great new people at the same time. This award will help support me if I go on to University or in to the workplace.” James Jones (26) was surprised to hear he was a winner and said, “Ian Rankin is one of the most famous British writers of recent years and to meet him and win an award in his name is a great feeling.

“The award will be really useful allowing me to buy a new laptop and help fund my travelling costs to College.

“Long term I hope to travel and secure a job as a journalist and also write a novel or film script.” Debbie Miller, Vice Principal for Commercial Development, said, “We were delighted to welcome Ian Rankin to our College last week in what is the tenth year of this prestigious scholarship award.

“Not only does Ian support the awards but also takes a great interest in the students’ work and gives up his time to review and judge their creative writing which is a very valuable experience for the students.

“Each year Ian spends his afternoon at College chatting to the students, answering their many questions and sharing his own experiences, which makes for a very memorable and inspirational day.” “Receiving a scholarship from such a well-known author as Ian Rankin means a great deal to the students and is a fantastic achievement which will help them secure future study, employment opportunities and provide some extra financial support which is always very welcome.”