ONE of Beath High School's famous sons will be at the Cowdenbeath secondary next month to help boost the school's Hardship Fund.

Ian, the Cardenden man who has become Scotland's foremost crime author, was delighted to agree to make a special presentation at the school assembly hall on the evening of Wednesday June 12.

Rector Steven Ross has been getting in touch with a lot of the famous FPs of Beath and in discussion with him, Ian Rankin learned of the school's Hardship Fund, which is geared to raising money to help some of the pupils whose education is suffering from the worst effects of poverty.

In his discussions with Mr Ross, Ian suggested that he make a presentation on his work to date and what may be around the corner, with all proceeds going to the School Hardship Fund.

Said Mr Ross this week: "We are delighted that former pupil Ian Rankin will be presenting at the school on the evening of Wednesday June 12.

"Ian will be sharing with us his journey from pupil at Beath High school to best selling, internationally acclaimed author.

"This event is one of a series planned to celebrate all that is great about the Beath community with the overarching theme of encouraging aspiration amongst our young people".

Ian is one of the many FPs who have seen success in varying fields, from Sir James Black, whose blood pressure control drug saved many lives; to Iain Paxton, who was a member of the Grand Slam winning Scotland XV of 1984; Scott Brown, who skippered the Scotland football team; and Celtic FC to the triple triple at the weekend; through to Claire Baker, the MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife and many more.

Tickets for Ian Rankin's presentation on Wednesday June 12 are £5 and are available from the school on 01383 602401.