Young gamekeeper Rory scoops top gong
Strath- based gamekeeper Rory Donaldson clinched the top award at Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Landbased and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS).
The 17 year-old, who works with Drummond Estates and lives in Comrie, won the highest accolade of the night, the Overall Winner Award, as well as the Game and Wildlife industry category.
Rory collected his awards at a glittering ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro on Thursday, March 3.
He has completed a National Certificate in Gamekeeping at Drummond Estates through the SRUC Elmwood Campus in Fife.
Rory said: “I can’t quite believe I’ve won two ALBAS awards and to be chosen as overall winner is incredible.
“It’s a great feeling and humbling to be recognised like this.
“A big thank you to Drummond Estates, Glenartney, Jim Goodlad from the SRUC, my family and everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Having taken place as a virtual event last year due to Covid restrictions, the ALBAS returned to Dunblane with more than 180 finalists, event supporters, employers, training providers, industry leaders and Mairi Gougeon MSP – the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands – in attendance.
Ms Gougeon said: “What a great night spent honouring some hardworking and inspiring people across Scotland’s land-based and aquaculture sectors.
“I just want to put on record what a truly spectacular group of individuals we have in the finalists and winners.
“I’m so proud to see the incredible work they are already doing and look forward to seeing them all continue in their careers.”
Sheep farmer and social media star, Cammy Wilson, presented a clutch of the awards.
The winners and runners- up were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland.