College merger

The long-anticipated Fife College finally came into being earlier this month, with the merger of Carnegie College, Adam Smith College and parts of Elmwood College.

Combining, as it does, the strongest elements from these three institutions, an opportunity now exists for the new regional college to become one of Scotland’s foremost educational and training centres.

I hope to meet regularly with Principal Hugh Logan to discuss developments at Fife College, as I did with Principal Geoff Fenlon of Carnegie College. During our recent initial meeting, I heard his ideas for the college and promoted the strengths of the existing Carnegie campus, which has, among other things, excellent sustainable energy training facilities.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Geoff Fenlon’s services to Carnegie College, which, at the time of the merger, had attained the best possible rating from Education Scotland. Of its learners, 84% were entering into employment or continuing their studies. Under Geoff’s leadership, Carnegie College has left an excellent legacy for Fife College to build upon.

Wherever Geoff goes next, I’m certain he will make an equally positive impact.

The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.