A Scots-born tycoon has handed a million dollar donation to a Fife college, in a bit to support the development of Scotland's renewable energy sector.
Canadian mining entrepreneur Robert M Buchan is aiming to following in the footsteps Scots-American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who was the founding benefactor of Carnegie College, by handing the massive cheque to the institution's Rosyth engineering campus. It is hoped the cash will now be used to establish a centre of excellence for engineering and energy.
His cheque for $1 million, or £650,000, is believed to be the largest private donation to a Scottish college since Mr Carnegie himself. And with the prospect of renewable energy sector growth in the region, as well as a new Forth Bridge, college officials say it will go a long way to boosting the prospects of engineering students and graduates.
Announcing the endowment, College Principal Professor Bill McIntosh said: “Everyone connected with Carnegie College is overwhelmed by this hugely generous donation.
"It is particularly welcome, as – given current funding models and the tightening of the public purse - this College needs to be ever more innovative in raising funds to meet our future aspirations and that of the local economy.”
Hearing the news Energy Minster Mr Jim Mather MSP stated “This new centre is a further confirmation of Scotland’s excellent international reputation in renewables. We want to be a world leader in low carbon industries and Carnegie College - and Fife - are at the forefront of green energy skills development, bringing jobs and long term sustainable growth for Scotland.”
Mr Buchan, who was born in Aberdeen and raised in Rosyth, said he had chosen to name the new facility 'The Whitlock Energy Collaboration Centre' in honour of his mentor Colin Whitlock and his late wife Rene.
Mr Whitlock was at the forefront of the electronics revolution in the 1960s and devoted much of his business life to improving vocational opportunities for young people. Mr Whitlock also served on the board of Carnegie, then Lauder Technical College, for over fifteen years.
Mr Buchan said: “Colin Whitlock was my mentor and motivator and he along with his wife, Rene, had a major influence on my life. I was keen to put something back into the area and offered Colin a donation of $1 million to a cause of his choosing.
"Colin’s commitment to Lauder, now Carnegie College, has been long term. I am honoured and delighted that this Centre carries the Whitlock name and look forward to watching it grow in the coming years.”
Mr Whitlock added “I cannot tell you the joy that this announcement gives me. When Bob first offered this donation I was committed to ensuring that it was used to provide a long lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Dunfermline.”
“I have long recognised the important role that the College plays in providing vocational education in the area. The engineering and energy sector represents a huge opportunity for Fife and Scotland. I believe that the College has a vital role to play in developing the future skills and knowledge that will be required in order to secure long-term employment and a sustainable economic growth.”
Carnegie’s Rosyth campus, which will house the new centre, is about to undergo a £400,000 refurbishment, resulting in improved learning facilities, engineering equipment and specialist workshops.
It is hoped the project will allow Fife to take up a place at the forefront of renewable energy growth, boosting the local economy and job prospects across the region.
Professor McIntosh said: "The engineering and energy sector is a priority industry not only for Fife but for Scotland as a whole. The economic and employment opportunities are vast, with recent figures estimating that as many as 60,000 extra jobs could be created across Scotland."
He added: "Today’s announcement together with our own continued investment in our campus facilities will ensure that Carnegie College is well positioned to support the development of a skilled workforce to meet the needs of this growing sector."
"This centre will encourage innovation in its widest sense and will promote sustainable energy solutions through people and design – a focus which will ensure that technology does not become an end in itself but rather be an enabler for sustainability."
