A former Lochgelly High School teacher whose work helped shape employability programmes across the Kingdom is being honoured through a new scholarship supporting students at Fife College.
Six students have been recognised with the inaugural 'Ray Fernie Scholarships', set up in memory of the respected educator and former Fife Council Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) manager.
Ray spent years at Lochgelly High pioneering schemes that brought local employers into the classroom and helped pupils develop the skills and confidence needed for the world of work.
He later took that model into his role with the Council, where it was expanded across the region and went on to influence similar programmes elsewhere in Scotland.
Following his death in 2019, after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer, his family and friends created the Ray Fernie Foundation to continue that mission of helping young people into work.
The foundation’s remaining funds have now been transferred to Fife College, with the scholarship administered through the college’s Adam Smith Scholarships programme.
Ray’s wife, Shireen, and his close friend Robbie Paterson attended the presentation at Fife College’s Dunfermline City Campus, where Shireen handed certificates to the six inaugural scholarship recipients.
She said: “Ray was passionate about giving young people every opportunity to succeed, and he believed that education should open doors to rewarding careers.
"Seeing these scholarships support Fife College students in pursuing their ambitions is a fitting tribute to his life's work.
"We are delighted to work in partnership with Fife College to help ensure Ray's legacy lives on through this wonderful scholarship.”
Among this year’s recipients is Cowdenbeath student Nathaniel Sahin, who is studying Future Constructions. He said: “Having the opportunity to be awarded the Ray Fernie Scholarship is a great honour and one I will never forget.
"I will use this scholarship award to help me get work in construction – to help with driving lessons and to pay for registration so I can work on a construction site.”
Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, said the award was about more than money. “The Ray Fernie Scholarship is not just about financial support – it’s about investing in the potential of our students and helping them take the next step towards their future careers,” she said.
“Ray dedicated his life to creating opportunities for young people, and we are proud to continue that legacy through this scholarship.”
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