Project Description

Industry: Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism 
Partner Programme: North East Fife Coastal Alliance (NEFCA) 
Businesses involved: Pratis Barns, Fairmont St Andrews, Fife College, Fife Sports & Leisure Trust, Old Course Hotel St Andrews, Signature Tours 
Name of School: Bell Baxter HS, Levenmouth Academy, Madras College, Waid Academy 

On 18th June 2025, the North East Fife Coastal Alliance (NEFCA) delivered a vibrant and interactive Hospitality Takeover Day at Pratis Barns, building on the success of NEFCA’s inaugural event in November 2024. This targeted experience was designed to engage and inspire S4 pupils from North East Fife to explore career pathways in Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism. 

Organised in partnership with the DYW Central Team, and led by Mark Kelly, Employability Officer, the event brought together pupils and employers in a day of hands-on learning and sector insight.

The Event 

 A total of 52 pupils attended the event, participating in seven immersive activities that offered a real-world introduction to the varied roles available across the hospitality and tourism sectors. These included: 

Food Preparation (Pratis Barns) 

Coffee Tasting (Fairmont St Andrews) 

Cabin Crew Training (Fife College) 

 Trip Planning (Signature Tours) 

Spa Treatments (Old Course Hotel)  

First Aid (Fife Sports and Leisure Trust) 

Grounds Maintenance (Pratis Barns) 

Pupils had the chance to rotate through each activity, with businesses providing an engaging, friendly environment that encouraged participation and curiosity. Activities were tailored to spark interest, develop soft skills, and open minds to the diverse opportunities within the sector. 

 

Employer Engagement
The success of the event was underpinned by the strong commitment of local employers and NEFCA strategy group members, all of whom are passionate about developing the region’s future workforce. 

 Patrick Gilmour, owner of Pratis Barns, played a pivotal role—not only in hosting the event—but also in leading two sessions on Food Preparation and Grounds Maintenance. Patrick’s ongoing engagement with schools, including past visits to deliver talks and cooking demonstrations, reflects his dedication to inspiring young people through personal storytelling and practical experience. 

 Other valued contributors included: 

Janine Brown, Old Course Hotel 

Carol-Ann Hibbert, Fairmont St Andrews 

Anca Marcantonio, Fife College 

 Dougie Anderson, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust 

Matthew Pointon, Signature Tours 

Each partner brought their unique expertise, helping students connect the dots between classroom learning and future careers. Their collective investment in the event underscored the importance of early industry exposure and continued school-business collaboration. 

 

Impact and Outcomes 

The event offered a rich learning environment where young people could try new experiences, build confidence, and develop employability skills. From making profiteroles to planning tourist routes across Scotland, pupils were immersed in realistic tasks that brought the sector to life. 

By engaging directly with professionals, students were able to: 

 Understand the diversity of roles in hospitality and tourism 

 Develop practical and interpersonal skills 

 See themselves in future roles they may not have previously considered 

 The warm, inclusive atmosphere fostered by the event partners allowed pupils to ask questions, take risks, and get excited about their futures. 

 

Feedback from Attendees  

“It was a fantastic day, with pupils actively engaging in the activities and connecting with the participating businesses. The positive energy was palpable throughout the venue, creating an exciting and inspiring atmosphere. A huge thank you goes to Patrick Gilmour and his team for generously hosting the event at Pratis Barns and for all the hard work and organisation that made this amazing day possible.” 

— Mark Kelly, Employability Officer, DYW Fife 

 

“Events like these are vital. They not only showcase the vibrancy and diversity of tourism careers but also foster early connections between young people and the industry. A sincere thank you to DYW Fife, Pratis Barns, and most importantly, the students. Their energy and enthusiasm brought a renewed sense of optimism. The future is full of promise.” 

— Matthew Pointon, Luxury Tour Guide, Signature Tours 

 

“Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the input from the various organisations involved in the event. A big thanks to everyone involved in organising this brilliant event.” 

— Ryan McLuskey, Principal of Pupil Support, Levenmouth Academy 

 

“I enjoyed all the different activities, like making profiteroles—it was fun to see how they’re made. It was nice to try things I haven’t done before.” 

— Holly, S4 Pupil, Waid Academy