Skye student given opportunity with John Muir Trust
FINN Lane is just finishing his Crofting and Countryside Skills course at West Highland College UHI and already knows what he is going to be doing next.
Following meetings, practical observations and a formal interview, the 18-year-old student has been offered a year’s placement with the John Muir Trust and will start full-time paid employment on July 1.
He will be involved in handson activity and training in forestry, farming, deer management, footpath maintenance and habitat monitoring on land managed by the trust on the Strathaird Peninsula on Skye and on Knoydart.
The post is one of four created specifically for young people on land that the John Muir Trust looks after in the West Highlands, Highland Perthshire, the Scottish Borders and the Lake District, funded by the ALA Green charitable trust.
Heather McNeill, course leader on the Broadford-based course, explained: ‘Our students have been working with John Muir Trust on a number of practical projects this year and the growing partnership is an enjoyable and exciting development for both organisations.
‘We are all so pleased that Finn has been successful and that he has proved such a credit to his course and the college as a whole. Both parties are hoping that this will become an annual student opportunity.’
Sarah Lewis, the Skye conservation officer for the John Muir Trust, said: ‘We’ve worked with Finn in the past through the Crofting and Countryside Skills course at West Highland College UHI and have found him thoughtful, practical and downto-earth, so we’re delighted to welcome him on board.
‘He’ll be a great asset over the coming year, and we’d like to thank the staff of West Highland College UHI and the ALA Green trust, for making this appointment possible.’
Adam Robertson, head of curriculum, added: ‘We were delighted to be approached by a partner organisation to provide such a valuable opportunity for further study and career opportunities for our students.
‘It’s co-operatively working with employers and business organisations across all of our sectors that ensure we are delivering meaningful courses that lead to challenging and fulfilling careers. We wish Finn every success.’