Perfect dozen

_{"Winners celebrate at the 2019 Lantra awards"}

A dozen top apprentices and trainees from SRUC have been selected as finalists for this year’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS).

Organised by Lantra Scotland, the awards include categories for the agriculture, aquaculture, equine, horticulture, game and wildlife, trees and timber, land-based engineering and environmental conservation industries, as well as Higher Education, Rural Schools, Modern Apprentice of the Year, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies) and a new Partnership Working Award.

The 12 apprentices and trainees from SRUC make up more than half of the 21 finalists, with the winners to be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday 5 March at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro.

Former SRUC student, Perthshire farmer and stand-up comedian Jim Smith, will be the MC and host for the evening.

The finalists for the 2020 ALBAS were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector and chaired by agriculture and rural affairs journalist Erika Hay.

Graeme Ligertwood, Commercial Business Manager at SRUC, said: “Congratulations to all these students on reaching the finals – an achievement in itself.

“It is great to see the talent of SRUC students, whatever pathway they are taking, being recognised by their industries.

“I wish them all good luck on the night, but whatever the outcome, they have made a super start to their careers in the land-based sector.”

Liz Barron-Majerik, Director of Lantra Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to announce the finalists for our 2020 Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills. As well as playing a key role in promoting the importance of gaining qualifications and developing skills for trainees and employers, the ALBAS showcase the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector. All those nominated, whether finalists or not, should be extremely proud of this recognition.”

The 2020 finalists from SRUC are:

• Alexander Austin, 18, from Dumfries – apprenticeship in trees and timber with Forestry and Land Scotland through SRUC
• Euan Sneddon, 18, from Newton Stewart – apprenticeship in Trees and Timber SVQ Level 5 with Forestry and Land Scotland through SRUC
• Gavin Elrick, 22, from Westhill, Aberdeen – SVQ in Land-based Engineering (Ground Care Machinery) with Fairways Groundcare through SRUC
• Greig Lambie, 20, from Strathaven – Modern Apprenticeship in Landbased Engineering (Agricultural Machinery) with Daniel Ross Engineering Ltd in Lanark through SRUC
• Hanna Rennie, 27, from Stirling – HNC in Countryside Management with SRUC
• Jack Young, 19, from Crossford, Carluke – HND in Agriculture with SRUC and now working for WG Young at Overton Farm
• Javin Hannah, 24, from Newton Stewart – Modern Apprenticeship in trees and timber with Forestry and Land Scotland through SRUC
• Laura Graham, 20, from Cumbernauld – HND in Equine Studies at SRUC
• Lawrence Martin, 30, from Tillicoultry – Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture with Carbeth home farm at Balfron through SRUC
• Lee McPherson, 49, from Edinburgh – SVQ in Parks, Garden and Green Spaces with East Lothian Council through SRUC
• Michael McLeod, 19, from Dornoch – Modern Apprenticeship in Land-based Engineering (Agricultural Machinery) with Robertsons of Tain through SRUC
• Shaun MacLeod, 17, from Urquhart, Elgin – SVQ in Livestock with Matheson's Ltd through SRUC

Tickets for the evening are available from Lantra on 01738 310164 or scotland@lantra.co.uk.

Posted by SRUC on 17/01/2020