It was a family affair when Ian Rankin awarded scholarships to Fife College students.
The author took time out from his writing to meet with the four students – award winners, Scott Duncan, Joe Hunt and Catriona Ross and the runner up, Catriona’s husband Malcolm.
This year’s scholarship was open to students studying a wide range of courses which include elements of creative writing.
To take part, students had to submit a piece of creative writing and their work was read and judged by Rankin himself.
“I always look forward to reading the entries – often there is a dark theme running through the pieces. However this year had a more playful and upbeat tone.
“It was also great to see a graphic novel entry this year, which is a first for the scholarship.
“The winning entries were of a high standard, with good storytelling, new viewpoints and surprising plot twists which were a pleasure to read,” the Rebus author said.
He added: “It was great to meet this year’s award winners, and to also come home to Fife and Kirkcaldy for a short visit.
“I hope the scholarship inspires this year’s winners on to great things and I wish them the very best for the future.”
As well as being awarded £600 each, the winning students also received a signed copy of one of the Cardenden author’s latest books, In a House of Lies.
Gaynor Jamieson, trust fundraiser for the Adam Smith Foundation said: “Ian has been supporting this scholarship for 15 years and awarded over 50 students in that time.
“The foundation, staff and students of the college are very grateful for his ongoing support which makes such a difference.”
It was second time lucky for journalism student Joe, 20, from Dunfermline who was runner up last year.
“Having such a high profile author such as Ian read your work and give you such positive feedback is amazing, especially when you enjoy writing and want to make a career out of it like I do,” he said.
Dunfermline’s Scott, 26, plans to use his scholarship towards publishing a graphic novel with help from artist friend and fellow student Nick Coad.
Kinghorn husband and wife Catriona, 49 and Malcolm, 40, were winner and runner up respectively.
“My lecturer at college thought one of my written pieces for my higher English course was really good so I put it forward for the scholarship – I couldn’t believe I had won,” she said.
