Convenor Update at Carnegie Hero Fund

Carnegie Hero Fund Convenor, Dr Colin Firth retired from the Board of Trustees and from the Hero Fund Committee at the AGM in April 2026. Trustee, Rachel Doyle now takes on the position of Hero Fund Convenor.

Janet McCauslin MBE (previous Trust Chair) thanks Dr Colin Firth

Celebrating the Contribution of Dr Colin Firth

We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Colin Firth, who is retired from the Trust in April. Colin joined as a trustee in 2017 and has since given many years of dedicated service.

During his time with us, Colin has served as a Trustee of both the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and the Hero Trust Fund, offering wisdom, clarity, and a deep commitment to the communities we support. His thoughtful contributions and long‑standing involvement have been greatly valued by fellow trustees and staff alike.

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 and Hero Fund Trust. 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 CDHFT.

During my medical training in local hospitals I became aware that senior colleagues served on the CDHFT, 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 CDHFT. That view was further enhanced when as a Scout Leader at St Leonard's Church Group I made successful applications to CDHFT for funding to help us purchase pool training kayaks and expedition tents.

I was appointed to the Hero Fund committee in 2018 and became Convenor in 2021. This aspect of the work of the Trust 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 heart-warming where they have shown substantial progression or achievement as a consequence of Hero Fund support.

I retired from the CDHFT 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

Rachel Doyle becomes Hero Fund Convenor

Rachel joined the Carnegie Dunfermline and Hero Fund Trusts as a Trustee in 2021 and was appointed as the new Hero Fund Convenor at the August Board meeting .
To date Rachel has held senior roles in private industry, the public sector and in a regulatory context. She has many years’ experience of strategically leading health & safety, wellbeing, risk management, emergency response and business continuity functions to deliver operational excellence, continual improvement, and commercial advantage.

Having been a Community Councillor in the town for many years, she had a desire to support elderly people in her local community to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives independently at home for longer.
Outside work, her interests include spending time with family and friends, participating at the ParkRun event in Pittencrieff Park and supporting the athletic interests of her two sons.