Students show off their creative skills

Fife College students recently showed off their creative skills by designing and building model benches as part of a competition in partnership with the Woodland Trust.
Fife College furniture students pictured with their individual designs along with Jill Aiken and John Fraser from the Woodland Trust and John Wincott and Ron Eldridge from Fife College.Fife College furniture students pictured with their individual designs along with Jill Aiken and John Fraser from the Woodland Trust and John Wincott and Ron Eldridge from Fife College.
Fife College furniture students pictured with their individual designs along with Jill Aiken and John Fraser from the Woodland Trust and John Wincott and Ron Eldridge from Fife College.

An event was held at the college to pick a winning bench design which will be built and installed in the Formonthills woodland area of Glenrothes.

After visiting the site back in September, the students, who are all studying HNC Furniture, were tasked with producing a design that reflects and complements the woodland location.

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In total, 12 model designs were produced that reflect the individuals’ interpretations of the brief. Each design was of an exceptional standard which made choosing the winning design difficult for the judging panel, which comprised of staff from the college and from the Woodland Trust.

The winning design was created by Andrew Huxtable (35), whose design incorporated some elements from the Queensferry Crossing.

Andrew’s design will now be progressed so that the bench can be built and installed on site in the woodland before the summer.

Andrew said: “I was very pleased when it was announced that my design was the winning one and I feel privileged that it was chosen. The bench design is made from oak and has two sides allowing visitors to view the woodland two ways and to communicate with each other.

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“It also incorporates copper on the posts which will reflect the light when new and weather with age. I can’t wait to now build the finished bench and see it installed and being used in the picturesque woodland, what a fantastic honour!

“In the past I worked as a web developer and in the banking sector which I didn’t enjoy and so decided to change direction. I am really enjoying my course and hope to go on to study HND Furniture next year.

“Longer term I would like to have my own design workshop creating bespoke pieces.”

Jill Aitken, site manager for the Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “The idea of having the students involved in a local project like this was really welcome as we are very keen to have the local community involved wherever we can.

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“I have to say that I was totally amazed at the quality of work, and the diversity of designs that were presented.

“I know that Fife College has a good reputation for this type of project, but the work here far exceeded my expectations. We are now all looking forward to seeing the finished bench installed on site at Formonthills Wood in the summer and hope to make this an annual initiative!”