Fife College Welcomes George Lauder’s Great-Great Grandson, William Garner, for Special Visit to New Lauder Library

Fife College was honoured to host William Garner, great-great-grandson of the College’s founding father, George Lauder, for a special visit to the new Dunfermline City Campus.

William was welcomed by Deputy Principal James Thomson, who provided a tour of the recently opened building before leading the dedication of the Lauder Library and the unveiling of the newly installed portrait of George Lauder.

The centrepiece of the visit, the striking 1901 portrait of George Lauder, was originally commissioned by Lauder’s nephew, global industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Painted by renowned Scottish artist Charles H. Mackie, the piece spent 64 years in Carnegie’s home at Skibo Castle before being gifted to the College by the Lauder family in 1965.

The portrait has now been carefully relocated from the former Halbeath Campus to its new permanent home in the Lauder Library, where it will remain on display for students, staff and visitors. A commemorative plaque recognising George Lauder’s legacy will also be installed nearby at the library entrance.

William Garner said:

“It was an honour to be in Dunfermline to celebrate the legacy of our great-great-grandfather, George Lauder. Naming the library at the new campus after him is a fitting tribute to his vision for education and his enduring commitment to the people of Dunfermline.

“The Lauder family is very grateful to Fife College for keeping his memory alive and for continuing to inspire future generations with the values he held dear: innovation, access to knowledge, and the power of learning.”

James Thomson, Deputy Principal of Fife College, said:

“We were delighted to welcome William to our new campus and to share with him the many ways George Lauder’s legacy continues to guide and inspire the College. The visit offered a special moment for us to reflect on our heritage while celebrating an exciting new chapter for Fife College.

“With the Lauder Library now open and supporting learners, the installation of this historic portrait ensures that our founding story remains visible, valued, and celebrated for generations to come.”

Following the library dedication, guests gathered in the Carnegie Conference and Events Centre over lunch, where a selection of historic artefacts was displayed, including old photographs, books and the Lauder Torch. Former George Lauder Bursary recipients Julia Sherriffs and Erin Fox were also in attendance. Author Pat Clark from The Arts Society Fife, who has a scholarship partnership with the College, presented William with a copy of her book on Charles H. Mackie, which he was delighted to receive.

William continues to support the College through the George Lauder Bursary, which is offered annually to Fife College students through Adam Smith Scholarships. The bursary is now open for applications and closes on 7 January 2026.

Funded by descendants of George Lauder, friends of the College in the USA, and supported by the St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, the bursary is available to current Fife College students and those who have studied at the College within the last four years.