The work of Adam Smith College students has been recognised by a grant judged by Fife crime author Ian Rankin.
Laura Aitchison (22) from Perth, Yvonne Banks (23) from Kirkcaldy and Paul Berry (37) from Burntisland have been awarded a £600 prize at the college after entering writing pieces which caught Mr Rankin’s eye.
The HND practical journalism students, who also received a copy of his latest novel The Complaints, enjoyed lunch with the author, during which they were invited to pick his brains about his career.
Scholarships are awarded to students through the Adam Smith Foundation, the college’s charitable trust.
Winner for the second year running Paul said, “As a student looking to pursue a writing career, Ian had some excellent advice on how to get started and was particularly encouraging.
“I have met some inspirational people throughout my course so far and it was great meeting Ian Rankin again this year.
“Being awarded this scholarship will help me with some financial challenges it will allow me to get a new printer and repairs made to my laptop as well as a pub lunch to celebrate.”
Mr Rankin said, “The scholarship programme is an excellent way for me to support local writing talent and to give students the boost they need to continue writing.
“I know it can be hard being a student and you need all the support you can get both practically and emotionally.
“The students have all done extremely well and I hope that this award is just the beginning of many more success stories for them.”