Student Baking Journey Reaches New Heights with MacPhie’s Scholarship

(L to R) Fraser Hogg - Ambassador & Employee Trustee at Macphie UK, Kayleigh Pirnie - City of Glasgow College bakery student and Aileen Omeara - Curriculum Head - Culinary Arts & Bakery

City of Glasgow College student Kayleigh Pirnie, a 20-year-old from Dalmarnock, has recently achieved a significant milestone in her baking career, thanks to the prestigious MacPhie’s Scholarship.

After completing her Level 5 and Level 6 bakery courses at City of Glasgow College, Kayleigh was encouraged by her lecturers to pursue this opportunity. Curriculum head Aileen Omeara praised her, saying:

“Kayleigh has been an exemplary student throughout her time at the college. I was thrilled when she was selected for the MacPhie’s Scholarship—it was truly deserved. I have no doubt that Kayleigh will have a very successful career in the bakery industry, and she has already offered to return to the college to share her experiences.”

The MacPhie’s Scholarship provided Kayleigh with invaluable industry experience at one of Scotland’s leading food production companies. After a competitive selection process, she was chosen for a week-long placement at MacPhie’s Glenbervie site this summer. During this time, she was immersed in various aspects of the food industry, collaborating closely with teams across multiple departments.

City of Glasgow College baking lecturer Lisa Ross also expressed her pride, stating:

“I'm incredibly proud of Kayleigh. Usually, I struggle to find the right words, but with her, the challenge is keeping it brief! Kayleigh's talent truly shined during her time here, especially in Level 6 and HNC. Her practical work—from cake design to sugar flowers—was exceptional, and she’s also a gifted baker. I wouldn’t be surprised if she returns in 15-20 years to take over my role at the college!”

Kayleigh described her time at MacPhie as eye-opening. She gained firsthand experience with the New Product Development (NPD) team, learning how new recipes are developed and tested in the company’s test kitchen. She also explored the technical side of production, spending time in the quality test lab and bakery, where she participated in testing pre-mixes from the production lines. This experience deepened her understanding of the industry but also provided her with insight into the operations of a large-scale company.

Reflecting on the experience, Kayleigh noted:

“The MacPhie’s Scholarship allowed me to see the different paths available in the food industry and gave me a brief idea of how a company of such scale operates. It was a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and grow.”

While the scholarship experience was a highlight, Kayleigh’s journey began years earlier at City of Glasgow College. She credits the college with helping her build confidence and hone her skills. One of her favourite parts of the HNC course was the Plan and Produce unit, where she learned the importance of planning, time management, and team communication—skills that proved invaluable during her placement at MacPhie.

Looking ahead, Kayleigh dreams of one day opening her own bakery. For now, she is focused on gaining more industry experience and furthering her education. Guided by the philosophy that “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” and the belief that “if you believe you can, you are halfway there,” Kayleigh’s story is an inspiring example of how dedication, support, and opportunities like the MacPhie’s Scholarship can help young talents rise in their chosen fields.