Fife College has proudly marked a momentous occasion in its rich history, the 125th anniversary of its founding.
In a special gathering in Dunfermline on Thursday, College representatives and guests celebrated the legacy of one of Scotland’s pioneering educational institutions.
The College traces its roots to 10 October 1899, when Lauder Technical School opened its doors, thanks to the vision of George Lauder and the generous financial backing of his nephew, the renowned philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Since then, the College has evolved through the years, becoming a cornerstone of learning and innovation in the Fife region.
A highlight of the event was the presence of the original ceremonial key, which was handed to the Dunfermline School Board by Andrew Carnegie during the opening in 1899. Recently acquired by the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, the key represents a symbol of the College’s rich historical foundations.
The College’s anniversary celebrations coincide with the launch of a "bold" new five-year Action Plan aimed at advancing the College's future.
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Jim Metcalfe, Fife College Principal, said: "Fife College exists to help students, staff, and communities thrive by providing opportunities for all, delivering outstanding education, and driving economic prosperity throughout the region.
“Our 125th anniversary is a historic event for the whole of Fife. It allows us to reflect on our commitment to innovation and technical education, while also setting the stage for our ambitious future plans.
“So, as we look back at 125 years of success, we also commence a new Action Plan to take the College forward. We will be updating our course offer, improving the student and customer experience, and working to make Fife College the best-in-class community college that the region and its people need us to be."
The gathering included a symbolic walk to the old Lauder Technical School building in Skibo Court. Former George Lauder Bursary recipients, along with key guests such as Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife, and Janet McCauslin, Chair of Dunfermline Carnegie Trust, all joined in celebrating the College’s 125-year journey.
Throughout the event, Tomm Campbell, a local actor dressed as George Lauder, highlighted the historical significance of the opening in 1899 and the legacy of Lauder and Carnegie.
Woodmill High School pupils Matthew L’Anson and Tegan Brooksby also played a key role in the event, symbolising the future of education in Fife.
The College’s new campus, which will open in the 2025/26 academic year, is part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus – an innovative and collaborative project that will bring together the College, Woodmill High School, and St Columba’s RC in one purpose-built site.
The gathering to mark the 125th anniversary forms part of a wider series of events to celebrate the College’s anniversary in the coming weeks, which include the launch three new scholarships to empower and support students in their educational journey and 125th Anniversary puppet shows in schools, which will tell the story of Lauder Technical School, the legacies of George Lauder and Andrew Carnegie and the connection with the current and new Fife College Dunfermline Campus.
Meanwhile, Keith Webster, Dean of University Libraries at Carnegie Mellon University, will travel from Pittsburgh to deliver the ‘Lauder Lecture’ on October 30, where he will explore Carnegie’s educational legacy, the evolution of Carnegie Mellon University, and the intersection of education, libraries, and the fourth Industrial Revolution.
Members of the Lauder family, including George Lauder’s Great-Great Grandson, William Garner, will also travel from the USA later this month to attend the Lauder Lecture. William Garner awards an annual bursary for Fife College students to travel and study in the USA each year, celebrating the vision of George Lauder. Offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, the Bursary is funded through annual contributions from the descendants of George Lauder and other friends of the College in the USA and administered by the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York. The Bursary is open to full-time or part-time students currently enrolled at Fife College and those who have studied at Fife College in the last four years.
As part of the 125th anniversary celebrations, the College is inviting all alumni, staff, and students to share their own Fife College memories via its social media pages, by using the hashtag #FifeCollege125 or by emailing your stories to alumni@fife.ac.uk
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