SIX deserving Fife College students have had an amazing start to their degree studies this year after being awarded a Principal’s Degree Scholarship and one of them is from Lochgelly.

Ashley Nimmo (35) and Chloe Hunter (23) were named winners of the scholarship, which is offered by the College’s Principal, Hugh Hall. Morgan Pearce (22), Lauren Evans (19), Lochgelly's Rachel Duncan (19) and Angela McArthur (31), were also awarded runners-up scholarships.

Ashley and Chloe received £2,000 each for their scholarship wins while runners-up, Morgan, Lauren, Rachel and Angela, each received £500.

The scholarship was created by the Principal to support Fife College students who progress to degree level studies.

Offered through the College’s Adam Smith Foundation, the scholarship was awarded to more students than normal this year due to the high standard of entries. It was also felt by the Principal that more students should be recognised given the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Fife College Principal, Hugh Hall, said: “This year’s scholarship entries were of a really high standard.

"It was therefore only right, particularly given some of the adversities faced by so many in recent months, that we recognised more students for their efforts and commitment this year.

“All of the recipients are very deserving and I am delighted that these awards will give each of them some much needed support as they embark on their university studies in the weeks ahead – best of luck to them all.”

Fife College has over 200 formally agreed routes mapping HNC/D qualifications into degree courses with agreed routes to support articulation on to degree study across 15 universities throughout the UK.

The College’s aspiration is to enable HE level students to support an increasingly knowledge-based Fife economy, as well as fully supporting widening participation.

Through partnership with businesses, charitable trusts and individual donors, the Adam Smith Foundation has developed a Scholarship Programme which provides recognition, a financial award, and in some cases, work experience, internships and trips abroad to support and encourage students to achieve their full potential.