Former Glenrothes College principal Tom Burness has died, aged 75.
Born on October 9, 1937, in Springburn, Glasgow, Tom was the oldest of four children and the only boy.
Educated at Shawlands Academy, he worked briefly as a tax officer before studying at Glasgow University, where he obtained an M.A. (Hons) in English literature and language.
He then became a graduate management trainee with British Rail.
Tom met Kay, who was to be his lifelong partner, and the pair decided to study for teaching diplomas. Tom also graduated from St Andrews University with an M. Litt degree.
In 1965, Tom made a decision that shaped the rest of his career and their lives together, becoming a lecturer at Langside College.
There followed seven years as a lecturer in management studies at the Dundee Institute of Art and Technology, now Abertay University.
In 1975, on promotion to head of industrial studies, Tom moved to Glenrothes College. It began a 24-year association which culminated with his appointment as depute principal then principal of the college in 1984.
In keeping with his philosophy that “chance favours the prepared mind”, Tom brought his earlier experiences to bear in the rapid expansion and development of the college.
In a wider FE and community education context, Tom served on a number of national boards and committees and played an active part as a member of the Howie committee (the review of upper secondary education) which led later to his participation on the curriculum and assessment group for Higher Still.
His interests also included the board of Kingdom FM, and he was a member of the court of Abertay University.
In 2008, on the award of his Honorary Fellowship, the university paid tribute to “his broad and deep understanding of all aspects of education”. In 1992, Tom was awarded the OBE for services to education.
He was held in high regard by his colleagues in the FE sector, many of whom sought him out to discuss the challenges facing FE, particularly at the time of incorporation (1993) when colleges left local authority control and became independent.
For all his successes, he was at his happiest when he was at home with his wife of 48 years, Kay.
On his retirement, Tom followed his interests in music and film with many concert and cinema visits. He also travelled regularly, to Belgium and the Netherlands in particular.
Recent health problems meant regular hospital attendances for Tom and some admissions, all of which he bore with great patience and fortitude.
He is survived by Kay, their daughter Claudia, her husband Andy and their children Cameron and Holly.