Fife College students savour scholarship success

Two culinary arts students @FifeCollege got a taste of success after they were awarded a Savour St Andrews scholarship. 

Patisserie student Anna Crimin (32), from Burntisland, and Bakery student Cameron Strachan (17) from Cardenden, were nominated by lecturing staff at the College to receive the scholarships in recognition of their hard work and commitment to their studies.

The awards for Anna and Cameron, which can be used to support their studies, are the second part of Savour St Andrews’s recent scholarship support for students offered through the Adam Smith Foundation, the College’s scholarship programme.

Bursary support from Savour St Andrews, the successor to the St Andrews Food and Drink Festival which started in 2012 aimed at organising events around St Andrew’s Day, previously funded an online masterclass for HNC Patisserie students by award winning chocolatier Shona Sutherland.

Scholarship winner Cameron, who is studying a Level 5 Intermediate Certificate in Bakery will use funds from the scholarship award to help him practice his skills at home. Cameron said: 

“I’m so happy and proud of myself. This will benefit me so much by allowing me to purchase ingredients and practice at home. I will also put some money into my bike fund so I can get to and from College more easily.”

Savour St Andrews is now a stand-alone project co-ordinated by Viv Collie and driven by a small and dedicated team which included Ian MacDonald, formerly executive chef and food and beverage manager at St Andrews Links, and Martin Hollis, executive head chef at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa.

Viv Collie said:

“Every year we involve Fife College in the St Andrew’s Day Dinner at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, and the students are able to gain invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of hotel staff.

“They have also taken part in learning journeys we organise in association with Martin Hollis, and Quality Meat Scotland.

“It’s great to be able to give something back to the further education sector in Fife.”

With the hospitality sector particularly affected by the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, The Adam Smith Foundation also recently used funds to support more culinary arts students at the College.

Three Professional Cookery students received £190 each through the International Cuisine Scholarship. The funds will also be used to provide students with equipment and resources to help them improve their skills at home.

The Adam Smith Foundation is Fife College’s scholarship programme and awards thousands of pounds each year to support students, develop opportunities, open doors and transform lives.