Scholarship marks legacy of Fife College lecturer who inspired countless students
Bryan McCabe-Bell retires this month after a quarter of century with the college.
He has been at the heart of the hugely successful, industry-leading hospitality sector at the St Brycedale Campus in his home town of Kirkcaldy, and been a mentor and role model to many talented students.
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Hide AdHis huge contribution to the college has been recognised with a scholarship awarded in his name - and the winners were unveiled this week as Bryan prepares to depart after 25 years of service.
Throughout that time he logged just six days absence!
He is currently faculty director for business, enterprise, tourism and supported programmes, but his input into college life has spanned a number of roles - and his knowledge and experience of the hospitality sectors has guided countless students.
His generosity has also seen him support, and take on, various community and charitable roles.
He was one one of the driving forces behind the launch of Kirkcaldy’s hugely successful food and drink festival.
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Working with Bill Harvey at Kirkcaldy4All, he curated an event which drew huge crowds, and brought some of the top chefs in the business to the college atrium to present masterclasses.
Bryan said: “I have had a wonderful 25 years and worked with some amazing colleagues along the way.
“But it is the student successes and the transforming of people’s lives that has meant the most to me during my time.
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Hide Ad“I wish all of the students and staff at Fife College the very best for the future.”
Bryan’s contribution to the college is recognised with the new scholarship through the Adam Smith Foundation.
He said: “I wanted to give something back to the students who have made my career possible – I believe education is a gift and something that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in.
“I’ve been delighted to personally support scholarships through the Adam Smith Foundation over the last few years.”
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Hide AdThe scholarship, which includes a monetary prize, is open to students studying full-time courses within the faculty.
This week, it went to Calum Robertson, from Kirkcaldy, and Kimberly Nelson, from Glenrothes for their dedication to their course, high levels of attendance and clear desire to use their qualifications to enhance their career prospects.
Bryan described them as “two hard working, committed students.”
He added: “I’m sure they will both go on to have interesting and fulfilling careers after their studies.”
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Hide AdCalum will use the scholarship award to support his plans to move on to an engineering gateway course.
He said: “I have a learning disability and having my own laptop will help me with my studies.”
Kimberly is applying to study BA Heritage and Tourism at Stirling University.She said: “I was absolutely over the moon to be selected.
“I have been taking driving lessons, to enable me to drive before I start at university next year, so I'll either put the money towards them, or towards tuition fees for my current course.”