Rebus author Ian Rankin has handed out scholarships to three top journalism students.
The crime writer met HNS practical journalism students Caitlin Sharkey, Jack Weir and Roseanne Sunter during an event at Fife College.
He presented them with their awards at a celebration managed by the Adam Smith Foundation which looks after the scholarship programme.
The winning students were awarded £600 each and received a signed copy of one of his books.
For Caitlin, 20, it was a case of déjà vu – as this is the second time she has won the scholarship.
The Leven student said: “Ian continues to inspire my grim dark taste in fiction.
“Although I feel prepared and ready to enter the world of work I am also considering taking a massive step and pursuing journalism in Canada.
“Having the right technology to work with is vital so this scholarship will be put towards a much needed new laptop.”
This year’s scholarship was open to students from a wide range of creative courses, including journalism, TV, radio and acting and performance.
To take part, students had to submit a piece of creative writing which was judged by Rankin himself.
The author, who grew up in Cardenden, commented on how difficult judging had been this year.
“When I was reading the entries I was looking for creative writing that contained something different, a voice I’ve never heard before,” he said.
“The winning entries are excellent examples of this, with new viewpoints and surprising plot twists.
“It was great to meet this year’s award winners in person 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.”
Foundation chairman John Paterson said: “Receiving a scholarship from such a well-known author as Ian Rankin means a great deal to the students and is a fantastic achievement which will help them secure future study and employment opportunities, as well as providing some extra financial support which is always very welcome.”
“We are delighted that Ian was able to give up his time again to come in to college and to present this very prestigious scholarship award.
“Ian has been supporting this scholarship for 14 years and awarded over 40 students in that time.
“He takes a great interest in the students’ work and gives up his time to review and judge their creative writing which is a very valuable experience for them all.”
