Some reflections on his time at the Trust - Dr Colin Firth

I retired in 2016 following 32 years service as a local General Practitioner and subsequently expressed interest in becoming a Trustee of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust (CDT). Following an interview I was appointed to the Trust Board at the April AGM 2017.

I grew up in Dunfermline and had been vaguely aware of the Carnegie Trust when at primary school, particularly through the bulb growing and art competition then the hobbies exhibition located in and around the Glen Pavilion.The Glen of course was a regular haunt of mine with the aviary, vivarium, rabbits and peacocks particular attractions, also the hot houses and the museum in Pittencrieff House. The Dunfermline schools gala was a very special day then, with a day off school. We marched from the public park to the Glen in our classes accompanied by our teachers, banners and bands. We then enjoyed games and sports and a picnic provided by CDT.

During my medical training in local hospitals I became aware that senior colleagues served on the CDT, notably Dr Alexander Lawson and Dr David Fraser, both of whom were Dunfermline boys. I held both in great esteem and their service enhanced my view of the worth of CDT. That view was further enhanced when as a Scout Leader at St Leonard's Church Group I made successful applications to CDT for funding to help us purchase pool training kayaks and expedition tents.

During my time on the Trust I have had the opportunity to serve on the Sports team and represented CDT on the West Fife Sports Council gaining an insight into the great work WFSC performs particularly in its schools programme of coaching and festivals.

I was appointed to the Hero Fund committee in 2018 and became Convenor in 2021. This aspect of the work of CDT is less well known locally despite Andrew Carnegie describing it as 'my ain bairn' when giving the endowment and responsibility to CDT in 1908. The Hero Fund recognises civilian heroism across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. We focus on support for heroes who have suffered life changing injuries and on the dependents of heroes who have died during the incident. A certificate and citation is presented and the details held permanently on the Hero Fund roll of honour located in the Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Financial support including education grants are provided where appropriate and the Hero Fund maintains lifelong contact with beneficiaries. I have been hugely impressed with the support and consideration given to beneficiaries by the Hero Fund manager, Liane Horder,  particularly at times of emotional distress or life events. The expressions of thanks and acknowledgement from beneficiaries are notable and particularly heartwarming where they have shown substantial progression or achievement as a consequence of Hero Fund support.

During the period of my service I've observed the significant engagement CDT has achieved with local interest groups and agencies including Fife Council. The reach and convening power of the Trust is hugely beneficial to the City and its environs. The range of support it has provided in recent years across education, sports and the arts including the Outwith Festival, Bruce Festival and Afro-Caribbean festival has truly brought 'sweetness and light' to the people of Dunfermline.

The Trust Chief Executive, Gillian Taylor has been instrumental in leading local engagement, encouraged and supported by successive Trust Chairs and a Board with a wide range of expertise and local knowledge. The Park Ambition Group and the working group seeking to develop the Carnegie Birthplace Museum are currently undertaking ambitious and challenging tasks which will take time to reach fruition but have already shown progress.

I retired from the CDT Board at the April AGM 2026. I've enjoyed participating in the work of the Board and leave it as a thriving and outward looking organisation which has the best interests of Dunfermline at its core. I wish the Trustees and staff well in their future journey and encourage Dunfermline folk to get involved whether  as volunteers at the Birthplace Museum, with the Friends of Pittencrieff Park or as future Trustees.

Dr Colin Firth

Janet McCauslin MBE thanks Dr Colin Firth