Students in running for award success
A pair of Perthshire students are in the running to receive further recognition at an industry awards ceremony in March.
Katie Turner, from Scone, and Campbell Strang, from Blair Atholl, have both been short-listed for Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills.
The event, known as the ALBAS, will take place on Thursday, March 7, at Crieff Hydro Hotel.
Katie is currently doing her Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at SRUC Oatridge while working as a student veterinary nurse at Tay Valley Veterinary and Equine Centre.
She said: “I have always had an interest in animals from a young age, always wanting to understand, learn and be able to interact with them.
“I find developing relationships with the patients and clients very rewarding as I am conscious that I may be present for some positive times and some sadder times in their lives.”
Campbell is doing his SVQ in Game and Wildlife Management Deer Route at Borders College while working as a trainee stalker with Atholl Estates.
He said: “I always knew I wanted a career in the outdoors and land management.
“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that you are helping conserve and protect the Scottish landscape and the animals within it for the better.”
The ALBAS are said to play a “vital role” in promoting careers within the rural sector, celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.
Host for the evening will be the Red Shepherdess, otherwise known as Hannah Jackson – a farmer, public speaker, writer, adventurer and photographer.
Industry categories at this year’s ALBAS cover agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, equine, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.
As well as prizes for overall winner, runner-up and Modern Apprentice of the Year, there are also awards for higher education, school pupil and secondary schools, Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies prizes, a Mentor Award for an inspirational tutor, the Tam Tod Trophy and the Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working.
Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the sector.
Tickets are available from Lantra Scotland on 01738 310164 or scotland@lantra.co.uk.