DUMFRIES and Galloway triumphed at the 2024 Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) with wins for three individuals and a school.
Scott Cunningham from Dalbeattie, above, won Agriculture Learner of the Year. Scott has completed his Modern Apprenticeship in agriculture through Tarff Valley while working as a calf and youngstock rearer at Craigley Farm, Castle Douglas.
He said: “Big thanks to Adam Wardrop from Tarff Valley for nominating me and my employer at Craigley Farm for giving me the opportunity to work and gain experience. Winning this award will give me a real boost.”
Dairy farmer Robert Wallace won the Lantra Mentor Award for his work in supporting new entrants into the industry by supporting apprentices, delivering of on-site training at his family farm, and helping to showcase farming careers through his work with Tarff Valley Training Services and Skills Development Scotland.
Robert said: “It’s a privilege and honour to be in a situation where you can help people establish themselves in a new career.
“Thank you to Lantra Scotland, Tarff Valley Training Services and Skills Development Scotland and all our other partners for your support. It is brilliant to see the progression of apprentices in agriculture.”
Meanwhile, Louise Craig from Lockerbie was runner up in the school pupil category. Louise is doing her NPA in agriculture while studying at Wallace Hall Academy.
And Wallace Hall Academy were celebrating again after scooping the secondary schools award for their outdoor learning project which includes developing a new outdoor learning space for pupils and expanding on existing projects such as the school polytunnels and raised beds and introducing a new gardening club.
Spokesperson Leah Belford said: “What an honour to win an ALBAS award. We have been working hard to introduce pupils to a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities, so to be recognised is a great feeling.”
Lantra’s Scotland director Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE said: “Our learners are literally the best of the best from our sector and crucial to the economy, our communities and for the environment.”
