10 talented Barbering students from City of Glasgow College have returned from an unforgettable educational experience in Heraklion, Crete, funded by the Turing Scheme. The international trip was designed to develop practical skills, encourage cultural exchange, and provide real insight into the barbering profession beyond Scotland.

Accompanied by lecturers Leanne McGuire, Lynsey Maclean, and Georgios Kynigos, the students from Levels 5 and 6 immersed themselves in Greek barbering culture. Over two weeks, they engaged in workshops, live demonstrations, and collaborative training with local professionals and students.

The itinerary featured visits to some of Heraklion’s top barbershops, including GP Barbers, MR Barber Salon, Foudou Barber Salon, and Barbero Calvo. At Barbero Calvo, students observed advanced grooming services like open razor shaving and beard styling, gaining an appreciation for the precision and speed with which Greek barbers operate.

The group also spent two intensive days at SxoliPapazoglou, a respected training institute with over 35 years of experience. There, students worked alongside Greek trainees, learning colour techniques and practising cuts on mannequins and live models. Local experts Giorgos Melas and Michalis Fortetsanakis from Bros Barbershop delivered high-energy workshops focused on skill refinement and time management behind the chair.

A visit to Stelios Frroku’s barbershop—complete with an upstairs art gallery—added an artistic dimension to the experience, where students witnessed creative cuts, cornrow styling, and innovative hair design by stylists like Sofia Galanaki and Maria Ian.

Beyond barbering, the trip offered rich cultural immersion. Students explored the Koules Fortress, visited the Creta Aquarium, and enjoyed the vibrant hospitality and cuisine of Crete. A particularly meaningful moment came when the group joined a local community project led by hairdresser and volunteer Gogo Pilatou. Together, they repainted a long concrete staircase connecting two neighbourhoods—a gesture that left a lasting impact.

Students were struck by the pace and professionalism of Greek barbers, who regularly completed high-quality cuts in just 15 to 20 minutes, operating in tightly coordinated teams. The experience broadened their understanding of international salon practices and customer service models.

Reflecting on the experience, lecturer Georgios Kynigos said, “Our students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism. They were fantastic throughout, and we’re so proud of how they represented the College. This was more than a learning trip—it was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and pride.”

City of Glasgow College is proud to announce that two exceptional students – Nadine Fisher (HNC Bakery) and David Turner (HND Professional Cookery) – have been awarded the prestigious Macphie Scholarship.

Now in its second year, the Macphie Scholarship was originally exclusive to bakery students but has now expanded to include professional cookery, reflecting the growing commitment to employer engagement and career development across disciplines. This evolution of the scholarship highlights the College’s focus on equipping students with the real-world experience and skills needed to succeed in the food and drink industry.

From an initial group of eight applicants, students were asked to submit a note of interest before being shortlisted for interviews with Fraser Hogg, Ambassador & Employee Trustee at Macphie UK. Each candidate was required to research and present on the company, outlining how the scholarship could shape their future careers. Nadine and David stood out for their professionalism, detailed research, and clear passion for their craft.

As recipients of the scholarship, Nadine and David will gain a week of hands-on work experience at Macphie’s Glenbervie site near Stonehaven, with accommodation fully covered. In addition, they will each receive £550 to support and enhance their learning experience while at college. This combination of financial support and real-world industry exposure offers a valuable stepping stone toward their future careers.

Aileen O’Meara, Curriculum Head for Bakery at City of Glasgow College, celebrated the announcement, saying:

"I am incredibly proud of Nadine and David for being awarded this scholarship and gaining valuable work experience with a well-established food manufacturer. Opportunities like these not only enrich our students' learning but also strengthen the vital connections between further education and industry. I look forward to seeing Nadine and David’s continued success and their next steps in their chosen careers."

The Macphie Scholarship is a shining example of the power of industry partnerships in preparing the next generation of bakers and chefs. The College extends its sincere thanks to Macphie UK for their continued support and investment in future culinary talent. We are excited to follow Nadine and David’s journey and the impact they will make in the world of food.

Over 600 students designers from across Scotland answered the call to shape a greener future through jewellery in this year’s National Secondary Schools Jewellery Competition, hosted by City of Glasgow College. The College is delighted to celebrate the winners of this inspiring initiative, which showcased both artistic flair and environmental consciousness.

This year’s theme, ‘Flourish – Jewellery Design for a Greener Tomorrow,’ challenged students to create designs reflecting hope, sustainability, and climate awareness. The response was really strong, with entries highlighting the creativity and passion of Scotland’s next generation of eco-conscious artists.

Winners:

1. Sadie Greig (S2, Balfron High) – The Trash Greenhouse

2. Emily Lin (S2, Kirkintilloch High)

3. Keira Smith (S6, Craigie High)

Commended Entries:

1. Highly Commended: Emaan Khurram (S3, St Paul’s)

2. Jessica Coyle (S3, St Margaret Mary’s Secondary)

3. Ava Connelly (S1, St Modan’s High)

4. Emily Rodden (S2, Springburn Academy)

The judging panel featured leading voices in the jewellery and design world, including Sandra Gunn, Chair of Craft Scotland; Peter Crump, Managing Director of Vipa Designs; and acclaimed jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

Sadie’s winning design, The Trash Greenhouse, stood out for its bold vision and message of renewal. Thanks to a partnership with Vipa Designs Ltd., her concept will be brought to life this autumn using silver reclaimed from discarded NHS X-ray film — transforming medical waste into a powerful symbol of sustainability. Sadie will receive the finished piece at a special ceremony later this year.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft & Design at City of Glasgow College, shared her pride in the achievement: 

"This competition is more than a celebration of creativity, it's an invitation for young people to tell powerful stories through design, connect with meaningful themes, and discover the impact of sustainable making in a changing world."

City of Glasgow College is proud to support young people who merge creative thinking with environmental action. We look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition — inspiring tomorrow’s designers to help the planet flourish.

This week, students from ESOL and Graphic Arts at the City of Glasgow College came together to launch the powerful and moving poetry book and exhibition, Shining Memories and Melodies. Held on Thursday, 19 June, the launch was the culmination of a cross-departmental collaboration that united creativity, language, and personal expression.

The project began in December, when lecturer Rosie Quin led a poetry workshop with her Upper Intermediate ESOL students. Their heartfelt writing explored themes of memory, place, and identity. These poems were later passed on to NPA and NQ Graphic Design students, who were guided by lecturer Ash Rawson to treat them as a live brief — using the poetry as inspiration to create illustrations and book designs.

Each poem was paired with original artwork, and students designed a selection of book covers, with the final design chosen by the ESOL students themselves.

The launch event was attended by students, lecturers, and Curriculum Heads from both the Education and Humanities and Creative Industries faculties. Many students met for the first time on the day — an emotional moment that added to the powerful impact of the readings and exhibition. The event was opened by Siobhan Wilson, Interim VP Student Experience.

“Our poetry book is now an annual event – we are delighted to have collaborated with our Creative Industry colleagues once again,” said James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL & Communities. “The exceptional talent of our young designers has combined with the heartfelt and moving poetry from our ESOL students to create a thing of beauty. We couldn't be prouder of them.”

Copies of the book are available from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, for a £5 donation in favour of St. Andrew's Hospice. The poetry and artwork are currently exhibited in the ESOL Welcome Area, 5th Floor, City Campus.

In a moving celebration of resilience and progress during Refugee Week, the City of Glasgow College proudly marked the return of its ESOL Awards on Tuesday, 17 June. The ceremony, last held in 2018/19 before being paused due to the pandemic, honoured the dedication and achievements of ESOL students from across all levels of learning.

Lecturers were invited to nominate students who had gone above and beyond — whether through outstanding progress, supporting their peers, or consistent contribution to class activities. The nine recipients represent the full range of ESOL study, from Starter to Advanced:

1. Ayman Omer – Upper Intermediate for Work and Study
2. Joanna Kolackovska – Advanced
3. Amr Elmeslmany – Literacy
4. Hussain Wohab – Intermediate
5. Mohamed Ahmed Hussein – Elementary
6. Amar Al Fayan – Pre-intermediate
7. Jacek Stwora – Starter
8. Hossein Rahimi – Beginner (unable to attend)
9. Hazel Lok – Upper Intermediate

The event was made even more special by the return of Hadi, a former ESOL student and a long-time supporter of the programme. His powerful story — from newcomer to thriving learner about to embark on his postgraduate education — served as an inspiration to both the award winners and the wider College community.

“We are delighted to hold the ESOL Awards once again – this will now become an annual event,” said James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL and Communities. “It was an inspiring and emotional ceremony that showcased the courage, determination, and skill that our students apply to their learning. We are so proud of all our students’ achievements and look forward to continuing to support them after the summer break.”

As the College marks Refugee Week, the awards serve as a poignant reminder that language learning for many is not a luxury, but a necessity. These achievements are a testament to the power of education — and the perseverance of Glasgow’s New Scots.

On Wednesday, 14 May, City of Glasgow College proudly hosted its annual Gastronomy Dinner at Scholars Restaurant, marking one of the most anticipated events of the academic year for HND Professional Cookery and HND Hospitality Year 2 students.

This immersive dining experience saw 42 attendees—including students and their tutors—came together to savour an exquisite five-course meal, complemented by expertly paired drinks featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Each dish was a masterpiece, meticulously created and produced by a team of chefs: Chef Lecturers Darren Seggie and Robbie Phillips; Executive Chef Gary McLean; Head Chef at Margo’s, Robin Aitken; and Head Pastry Chef at Marr Hall, Szilard Szentesi.

The evening’s impeccable food and beverage service was led by a talented front-of-house team from Gleneagles, including Diane Watson, Harry, Eve, and Paul, the Head Sommelier, who ensured every guest enjoyed a seamless and refined dining experience.

The Gastronomy Dinner is a critical component of the students’ curriculum, offering a firsthand opportunity to experience high-quality dining in a real-world setting and to critique the experience for their assessment. This year’s event was expertly coordinated by Kirsty Mill and Donna McGroarty, whose dedication and organisational skills ensured its success.

Kirsty Mill, Curriculum Head - Professional cookery said:

“This event is one of the highlights of our year. It's fantastic to be able to bring in former students to help cook for our current students. To be able to include the team from Gleneagles for our front of house really elevated the evening and gave the students a fantastic gastronomic experience. We're already looking forward to running the event next year!”

The College extends its gratitude to Margo’s, Marr Hall, and Gleneagles for their invaluable support, providing skilled staff who led the food production and front-of-house teams. The College looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and providing its students with enriching, industry-focused learning experiences.

City of Glasgow College Staff

City of Glasgow College recently hosted its inspiring Community and Widening Access Learner Celebration, a joyful gathering that showcased how education transforms lives, builds confidence, and empowers communities. With over 230 students, volunteers, staff, and supporters in attendance, the College marked a year of learning, connection, and achievement.

Empowering through Programmes and Partnerships

Over the past year, our Community and Widening Access programmes delivered a wide range of educational experiences - from cooking and sewing classes to outdoor activity days and a community boat trip organised by our youth team. Learners from partner organisations including The King’s Trust, Simon Community, Glasgow City Mission, Marie Trust, Maryhill and North Glasgow Integration Networks, and Saheliya - supported by Multiply, The King’s Trust, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the Nairn Trust - took part in courses on personal development, ICT, numeracy, wellbeing, care, mental health, art, and more.

These programmes helped students gain practical skills, grow in confidence, and forge new connections. From budgeting meals to using tech, the impact was real and lasting. It’s another example of how City of Glasgow College creates opportunity for many, not just the few.

Celebration, Collaboration, and Community Spirit

Organised by our youth work team, the event was full of colour and energy. A pop-up shop - featuring over £2,000 worth of football clothing donated by SEKO - added excitement, alongside interactive games and student-made decorations. Learners proudly accepted their certificates, celebrating their hard work and shared experiences.

This wasn’t just a ceremony - it was a powerful reflection of how inclusive education builds resilience, opportunity, and belonging.

Honouring Supporters and Looking Ahead

We extend heartfelt thanks to our funders, partners, staff, and volunteers. Your dedication has made a lasting impact, helping us deliver education that truly changes lives.

City of Glasgow remains committed to widening access and ensuring that learning is inclusive, inspiring, and accessible to all - now and in the future.

Our students showcased their culinary creativity and skills in an exciting “Ready Steady Cook” event held in collaboration with the Royal Navy on Monday, 19 May. The competition, part of the Navy’s recruitment drive for chefs and culinary teams, saw talented Level 5 and Level 6 Professional Cookery students battle it out.

In true “Ready Steady Cook” style, eight pairs of students in each session were given a surprise shopping basket on the day and tasked with creating a unique dish. With just 30 minutes to plan and cook, students demonstrated innovation, teamwork, and flair as they transformed mystery ingredients into restaurant-quality plates.

John Mair, Professional Cookery and Schools lecturer, said:

“The competition was a mock simulation of what can occur in the Royal Navy. This provided an opportunity for students to use skills learned in College and see the relevance of these skills.”

The event also offered valuable insight into life in the Royal Navy, with the Navy’s recruitment team delivering talks on career opportunities, conditions, and the exciting world of naval cuisine.

Congratulations to the Level 6 winners, Euan Lees and Donovan McIntyre, whose outstanding dishes wowed the judges. Euan and Donovan shared that they “enjoyed the opportunity to compete and come up with their own dishes.” The Best Team Award in Level 6 went to Nadia Agbokuma and Samira Saeid, who impressed with their exceptional teamwork and creative approach.

In the afternoon session, Level 5 students rose to the challenge with equally impressive results. Emma Hoey and Frances McGuire took home the Level 5 winners’ title, while Archie Hannah and Douglas Steel received the Level 5 Best Team Award for their fantastic teamwork. Archie and Frances admitted that they “were both nervous beforehand but are now more confident” following the experience.

The “Ready Steady Cook” event was a fantastic opportunity for students to put their skills to the test, learn from industry professionals, and explore exciting career pathways within the Royal Navy. With creativity, teamwork, and a dash of friendly competition, it was a day to remember for everyone involved.

Craftex 2025 proved once again to be a standout event in Glasgow’s creative calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of students from across the city’s colleges. Hosted at the Trades House of Glasgow, Craftex is one of the country’s most cherished platforms for celebrating student creativity and craftsmanship in all its forms. The annual exhibition featured over 50 award categories, spanning everything from Graphic Design and Interior Design to Nail Art, Ceramics, and Furniture Craft.

City of Glasgow College students made an impressive mark this year, collecting top honours and standing out for their creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. The event not only gave students a platform to exhibit their work but also opened doors to industry connections, potential employment opportunities, and wider recognition of their skills.

Gold Medal Winner – Robin Frowley (Furniture Craft – Advanced)

Robin took home the top prize for his remarkable reproduction of Tsunami by designer Brian Hubel. After a successful career in photography, Robin reassessed his creative path during the pandemic and returned to study—pursuing his long-held passion for furniture making. Inspired by Japanese design principles and the natural world, Robin’s work reflects clean lines, minimalism, and exceptional attention to detail.

Furniture students were among the strongest contributors to this year’s success. Emily Noble earned the Advanced Furniture Restoration Award, while June Greening took the Furniture Craft (Non-Advanced) title. Ryan Gruber was also honoured with the 5-Year Anniversary Leather Award for his craftsmanship.

Parliamentary Recognition for Teaching Excellence

The excellence on display this year was not only student-led. Behind these impressive wins is a dedicated team of staff who inspire excellence every day. These awards would not have been possible without the mentorship, guidance, and skill of the Furniture team at the college, whose commitment to student success is unwavering. In particular, Restoration Lecturer Mark Russell was recognised in the Scottish Parliament for his outstanding teaching, dedication, and the high standard of work achieved by his students. The motion, tabled by Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, praised Mark’s “unwavering encouragement and uplifting nature in the workshop,” noting the exceptional craftsmanship seen in this year’s final exhibition.

Other City of Glasgow College winners included:

• Iona Bourne – Graphics (Advanced)
• Elizabeth De Pena – Graphics
• Lauren Hutchison – Bread Making (Advanced)
• Xue Dong – Cake Decoration, Sugar Craft (Advanced)
• Adrian Runowski – Interior Design (Advanced)
• Nicola Wawrzyniak – Interior Design
• Isla McMahon – Nail Art
• Ellah-Louise McCleave – Make-up
• …and many more across categories including Art Glass, Ceramics, and Model Making.

Scott Harvey, Furniture lecturer and Craftex College coordinator, praised this year’s showcase:

“This year’s entries, especially in Furniture and Restoration, were of an incredibly high standard. The passion and dedication of students like Robin, Emily, and June really show what’s possible when creativity is nurtured with skill and support. It’s inspiring.”

Congratulations to all the participants and winners at Craftex 2025. Your achievements are a true reflection of the talent, dedication, and craftsmanship fostered at City of Glasgow College—both by its students and its staff

Last summer, four City of Glasgow College students from the HND Make-up Artistry for TV, Film & Theatre course have gained invaluable industry experience on the set of Dept. Q, a major Netflix production.

The unique opportunity came about through lecturer Kirsten Hunter, who was working on the show as a daily crowd make-up artist. With a close connection to the main cast make-up team, Kirsten reached out to explore whether students could be involved — and the production’s make-up designer was more than happy to welcome them.

During spring break 2024, four students joined the production on set: second-year students Adam French and Scarlett McKenna, along with now graduates Gracie Norris and Sandra Szcuchniak.

The students supported the professional make-up team by helping with cast hair and make-up checks between takes and assisting in the set-up and breakdown of the main cast make-up truck. Working alongside seasoned professionals on such a high-profile production offered the students a rare and exciting insight into the fast-paced world of television make-up.

Feedback from the make-up crew was overwhelmingly positive. “The team were so impressed with our students,” said Kirsten. “They described them as hard-working, talented and very keen — a real credit to the College.”

In fact, the make-up designer was so impressed with graduate Sandra Szcuchniak that she was offered a trainee position for the final four weeks of filming. Kirsten added, “I was back on set for the final day of filming and it was fantastic to see how Sandra had settled into her role — she was thriving.”

This experience highlights the strong industry connections and real-world opportunities available to City of Glasgow College students, preparing them for exciting futures in the creative industries.