Latest news with #FifeCollege
The Courier
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Fife College courses, staffing and campuses under threat as budgets slashed
Fife College is set to review its courses, staffing and campus provision as a result of slashed budgets. In a confidential email obtained by The Courier, principal Jim Metcalfe sets out the 'stark' funding loss the institution has suffered. Setting out how this year's funding allocation included a £1.3 million cut by the Scottish Government, on top of a 19.4% reduction over the last three years, the principal says the scale of the challenge is now 'precipitous'. We previously revealed how Mr Metcalfe had raised the alarm over 'significant' funding challenges in a previous update. In his latest email, he wrote: 'Colleges no longer retain the reserves required to manage through periods of heightened financial risk, like the one we now face. 'In the coming weeks and in consultation with our board and colleagues, the college will be implementing an essential review of courses, services, and its operating model to ensure its financial sustainability. 'This will have implications for our staff team, the scale of our academic provision, and the accessibility of our campus facilities across Fife.' It indicates that as well as a potential reduction in courses and staffing, the review will also include campus provision. The college currently operates five campuses – Dunfermline, Rosyth, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Levenmouth. The email adds: 'We will be working with the college community to minimise the effects wherever possible, and making every effort to ensure our key curriculum areas serving the regional economy are protected.' Jim Metcalfe, who was appointed in 2023, previously said he would face 'difficult decisions'. Dunfermline and Dollar MP Graeme Downie – who raised college funding at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday – says it's 'imperative' to support young people with opportunities. He added: 'Fife College is a vital part of unlocking the potential of young people in the Kingdom, helping them to build skills which can transfer to good, secure and well paid work. 'We know that secure employment is also the best way of tackling poverty and inequality. 'Reforms to skills and apprenticeships in England by the UK Labour government – while the SNP dither and delay – means Scotland is falling behind England on building a skills and apprenticeships mindset. 'That could see opportunities go to people south of the border rather than here in Fife. 'That is unacceptable and the SNP must do more to help Scotland catch up.' The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
The Herald Scotland
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Home improvement specialist CR Smith announces 40 new jobs
CR Smith is working with 10 of Scotland's 32 local authorities, with more contracts in the pipeline as it aims to build on this success. The company, which has been a cornerstone of Scottish business since Gerard Eadie CBE took over in 1972, has invested heavily to expand its public sector capabilities. This includes state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery, establishing a new internal infrastructure and a significant investment in jobs as well as its pioneering apprenticeship programmes with Fife College. In addition to anticipating tighter regulations on standards to align social housing with government-set net-zero targets, the investment also addressed local authorities' needs for excellent service for their tenants. With over 50 years of experience in designing and installing windows in Scottish homes, CR Smith offers unmatched expertise. According to the UK Government Climate Change Committee, approximately 25% of the UK's carbon emissions are attributed to homes, driving a focus on ensuring that the existing housing stock aligns with the new regulations and targets set by the government. Gerard Eadie CBE, founder and chairman at CR Smith (Image: The Picture Agency) The Scottish Government's 'fabric first' approach, which focuses on a property's thermal efficiency over the environmental credentials of the energy source, has proven highly effective within broader Scottish Government initiatives, such as the Social Housing Net Zero Standard. CR Smith Chairman, Gerard Eadie, said the company's foresight in setting up the business to meet the evolving demands of local authorities has been crucial to securing contracts, as has its long-standing reputation for manufacturing and installing high-quality windows specifically for Scottish homes. He said: 'The current public sector focus on sustainability goals means both the window design and its installation must be of the highest quality to meet energy efficiency targets – and in addition to our exceptional service that is exactly what we provide to all our customers, both private homeowners and social tenants. 'Because of our experience working directly with customers, we understand their needs. Exceptional customer service is crucial for tenants of social and local authority housing, and we bring that level of service to all our projects and contracts. Read more: He added: 'This is an exciting time for the business. Our aim is to continue to expand our operation further into the public sector market.' CR Smith, which has offices in Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen, as well as its head office and manufacturing plant in Fife, became one of Scotland's most recognised brands in 1984 when the company simultaneously sponsored both Rangers and Celtic football clubs. Scotland became one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency in April 2019. Scotland has set an ambitious target to become net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK. To find out more about CR Smith, visit
The Courier
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
More attractions added as Dunfermline Bruce Festival returns for second year
The Bruce Festival is expanding as it returns to Dunfermline for a second year. Last year's event celebrated King Robert the Bruce's 750th birthday. And it was declared a huge success, attracting more than 16,000 visitors over the weekend. Around 20,000 are expected to flock to Pittencrieff Park this year for even more fun. The festival includes jousting, mock battles, falconry, medieval crafts and storytelling. And this year, the line-up will also include a kids' medieval arena where youngsters can learn the ancient art of stone-lifting and practice medieval skills. Billy George, of the organising team, said: 'We've set up stables so people can get up close and personal with the magnificent jousting horses. 'We're also making the falconry show more interactive, and we'll have a court jester wandering through the crowd doing magic tricks.' George added: 'We've not ignored the darker side of medieval life. 'Naughty nippers and knights had better beware, because our friends at Fife College have built us a set of stocks. 'Wrongdoers will be thrown in the stocks and get pelters!' Vintage buses will also be on site, along with food and drink offerings. The Bruce Festival is one of Scotland's largest free events. A survey carried out by organisers Visit Dunfermline showed 99% of those who attended last year would recommend it to family and friends. And 94% said they would return. Sandy Sewell, of Visit Dunfermline, said: 'Four out of five people said the festival had improved their perceptions of Dunfermline. 'We are building on that by getting more community groups and local businesses involved.' The festival takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1 in Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline. Admission is free.
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Learn how to fast track your future from college to career
It also shows the importance of the pathways that exist between colleges, universities and employers in Scotland, and there is growing recognition that flexibility and accessibility in education are key to supporting students in achieving their goals. The publication comes as the Scottish Parliament considers the Tertiary Education and Training Bill, introduced in February 2025. The Bill aims to simplify the landscape across colleges, universities, and training providers, and improve outcomes for learners and employers alike. One example of how these ambitions are already being realised in practice is through college articulation routes. These pathways allow students to progress from college qualifications - such as HNCs and HNDs - straight into a degree. At the Open University articulating students are often able to start at third-year level which means that in some cases they will gain a full honours degree in as little as one year. Sara Haldane from Fife is among those who have benefited. A mum of four, she completed her HND in Social Sciences at Fife College and was able to move directly into the final year of a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Social Sciences with the OU. (Image: Sara Haldane from Fife) 'I am so proud of myself for having achieved my degree,' says Sara. 'I am a mum of four and for a long time I thought a degree was impossible for me and now I'm studying my postgraduate degree in Psychology, also with the OU.' Sara had previously studied towards a history degree with the OU, so she was familiar with how the flexible model worked. 'I studied Social Sciences at Fife College and completed my Higher National Certificate and HND. 'They offer a link course with the OU to finish the Bachelor's degree so, in 2023, I decided this was a good fit for me. Studying in my own time but still having the same lecturers as I had at college helped secure this decision.' She studied at home while caring for her children and navigating a challenging family situation. 'I studied at home and because there is no set timetable for the OU, just a weekly guide, I was able to organise my time to suit my day-to-day responsibilities. I study best in the evenings when my children are in bed and The Open University allows this freedom to study at unusual times.' Sara credits the OU not just for helping her gain a degree, but for transforming her career: 'The OU has had an impact on my career. I am now a lecturer at Fife College in social studies, which would not have happened without the OU, and I am a much more organised person after studying.' She adds that supportive lecturers and her children's resilience were crucial to her success. 'My lecturer was a big inspiration. My children inspired me too. Their dad received a liver transplant while I was studying for my HND and they were just incredibly strong during it.' With the Scottish Government focused on building a more integrated and flexible education system, the Open University's college articulation model stands as a working example of how learners can access life-changing opportunities without compromising on location, income, or family commitments.
The Courier
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Courier
Fife man Matthew on facing Huntington's disease test
Four years ago Matthew Loudon received news which would change his life forever. The 22-year-old from Fife discovered there was a history of Huntington's disease in his family. And the Kinglassie bus driver was preparing to take the test to find out if he carried the faulty gene. 'My grandad had Huntington's disease and he passed it on to my dad,' he explains. 'I only became aware of the disease four years ago. 'My family held off telling me until I was 18 and you have to be 18 to go through the testing process. 'Once you sign up to be tested you have to do three months of therapy first. 'That is to make sure you are ready for the answer.' Matthew is now opening up about the impact the diagnosis had on him and how he is coming to terms with it. And this weekend the former Auchmuty High pupil is taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 to raise awareness of Huntington's disease and how it affects families. Huntington's disease is caused by an inherited faulty gene that damages the brain over time. People with the disease can eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and care for themselves, requiring specialist support. The disease is genetic, meaning it is passed down from one generation to the next. Anyone with a parent who has Huntington's has a 50% risk of inheriting the condition from them. Symptoms usually begin to develop between the ages of 30 and 50 and gradually get worse over time. But each case of Huntington's is unique and can vary dramatically both in terms of age of onset, speed of advance and range of symptoms. There are currently around 800 people in Scotland living with the symptoms of Huntington's disease. And a further 3,200 are estimated to be at risk of developing the condition as a result of inheriting the faulty gene. Matthew reveals why he decided to take the test for Huntington's disease. 'I just knew in my head that if I didn't have the test, I would just assume I had it,' he says. 'So I wanted to know the answer. 'I did three months of therapy first – which was done online – and then I went to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh to have the blood test done. 'Then I went back to the hospital in person to get the result. 'My mum, flat-mate Tyler and friend Josh came with me. 'I remember being asked in the hospital how my life was going to change if I got a positive result. 'And I said: 'well most people go travelling in their later years which I won't be able to do. 'So I guess I will just do it sooner.' 'I was then told the result was positive for Huntington's disease and I went numb.' Matthew then began processing the difficult news. 'I began to realise that being sad about it wasn't going to change it,' he says. 'But probably the biggest annoyance was that when I did find out I had Huntington's disease I was in the middle of applying for the navy.' Matthew had studied electrical engineering at Fife College and had been looking at applying to work in the Royal Navy as an engineer. 'But as soon as I got the positive diagnosis that was ruled out.' After learning a career in the navy wouldn't be possible, Matthew then started looking for jobs. Initially he worked as a self-employed driver for Amazon before applying to become a bus driver with Stagecoach in Glenrothes. He has now been working for the company for over a year. And it is a job he enjoys – despite having to renew his licence every 12 months as a result of his diagnosis. After learning he has the condition, Matthew also takes part in an Enroll-HD study for Huntington's. 'I go for yearly check-ups at Whyteman's Brae Hospital in Kirkcaldy. They do cognitive and motor skills testing to see if there are any changes. 'I am now past the curve of getting symptoms as a juvenile so it probably won't be an issue until later on in my life.' Matthew recalls his grandad having Huntington's disease. 'My grandad managed to live on his own until he was around 80,' Matthew explains. 'Then he went into specialised care before he died a few years ago,' he explains. 'When I was told about Huntington's when I was 18 my grandad was already in the late stages of the disease. 'But by that point he was no longer himself and his memory was gone.' Matthew says his dad is currently in his mid-50s and hasn't shown any symptoms as yet. 'I also have an older brother,' Matthew adds. 'But he has decided not to get tested for Huntington's disease.' After seeing how the disease affected his grandad, Matthew is very aware of what he could be facing in the future. But he says he is determined not to spend the rest of his life worrying about it. 'Worrying about it is not going to change it,' he says. 'I am just going to live my life. I have already been travelling – I have been on holidays to Switzerland, Tunisia, Italy, Morocco. 'In fact I am going to Morocco again in July. 'I want to do these things now before I start losing my functions rather than leaving them until later on.' Matthew has also been grateful for the support of his family – particularly mum Karina – along with his girlfriend Dailah. 'I told Dailah that I had Huntington's early on in our relationship because it would have been disingenuous not to.' Dailah adds: 'It didn't phase me. It is what it is and as Matthew says there is no point in dwelling on it. 'There have been times where I have been teary because it is upsetting but I think you just have to live in the moment.' As well as prioritising travel since his diagnosis, Matthew is also passionate about raising awareness about Huntington's disease. And this is why he has decided to take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday, April 27 to raise money for the Scottish Huntington's Association. Matthew is doing 'The Mighty Stride' which is 22.6 miles. It starts at Glasgow Green and finishes at Loch Lomond. 'I am doing it mainly to raise awareness because every time I tell someone about Huntington's they say what's that? 'But I am also fundraising for Scottish Huntington's Association because it is the only charity dedicated to supporting families affected by the disease. 'I have collected £989 so far and just want to raise as much as I can.' As well as donations, Matthew has also received funding support from Stagecoach East Scotland and Hub 71 in Glenrothes. Scottish Huntington's Association chief executive Alistair Haw has praised Matthew for his support. 'We are hugely grateful to Matthew for getting involved and doing what he can to help make sure that families locally and throughout Scotland have access to the specialist services they need to cope with this hugely complex, widely misunderstood and extremely difficult to manage condition.' He adds: 'We thank him, his family, and his friends for their tremendous generosity and support for our extremely important cause.' Anyone wanting to support Matthew's fundraiser can make a donation.
