Eszter Dorottya Gupsci and Mohammed Fewzi Ali Khoudja were presented with certificates and £500 each from Kathleen Dalyell during an informal lunch with college principal Jackie Galbraith.

The Tam Dalyell Scholarship is supported through a generous donation to West Lothian College from the family of the late Sir Tam Dalyell.

Born in Edinburgh, Tam trained to be a teacher. He was elected as a Labour Member of Parliament for West Lothian in June 1962, and from 1983 he represented the constituency of Linlithgow. In 2001, he became Father of the House as the longest continuous serving MP. He stood down from Parliament in 2005 after 43 years serving as an MP.

On receiving the award, Eszter, who studies HNC Digital Design and Web Development, said: “I was surprised but delighted to receive the award - I can now afford things like art supplies for my course which can be expensive.”

Mohammed, who studies HNC Cyber Security, said: “It means a lot to win this award, for me it’s life changing. The money will go towards buying a much needed computer which means I can have constant access to the programmes I need to study. I really feel honoured and privileged to be chosen.”

After presenting the cheques, Kathleen Dalyell said: “When we were asked about commemorating Tam in West Lothian we thought about science and education because that was his particular interest. We thought West Lothian College was the obvious vehicle through which to do it.

“Tam would have been delighted with what the college is doing. The people of West Lothian were always very good to him and the students who’ve received these scholarships truly deserve them.”

The Tam Dalyell Legacy fund has also helped support the STEM Olympics this year which was held in local primary schools with the finals at West Lothian College.