TWO trainees and a secondary school are in the running for agricultural awards.
Scott Cunningham from Dalbeattie, above; Louise Craig from Lockerbie; and Wallace Hall Academy have been shortlisted in this year’s Lantra Scotland’s Awards for land-based and aquaculture skills, aka the ALBAS.
Scott has completed his SVQ Level 2 Agriculture Modern Apprenticeship through Tarff Valley while working as a calf and youngstock rearer at Craigley Farm, Castle Douglas.
He said: “It was my grandfather talking to me about his experience of farming which got me interested in the agriculture industry. I find the whole experience of bringing young calves into the world, looking after them and helping them grow into breeding heifers, very rewarding.”
Louise is doing her NPA in agriculture while studying at Wallace Hall Academy.
Nominator Neil Miller from Wallace Hall Academy said: “Louise’s enthusiasm has grown from her involvement on her family farm. She grew up farming and helped out from a very young age. Louise has always enjoyed farming life and is responsible for lots of daily tasks.”
Meanwhile, Wallace Hall Academy near Thornhill is working on a outdoor learning project which includes developing a new learning space for pupils.
Spokesperson Leah Belford said: “This year we took a whole school approach via our Learning for Sustainability plan to focus on outdoor learning. We wanted to increase the number and frequency of meaningful outdoor learning experiences for our young people.”
Finalists for ALBAS 2024 were selected by an independent judging panel
Dr Liz Barron-Majerik, MBE MICFor, director of Lantra Scotland, commented: “Our ALBAS have an important role to play in highlighting the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector, and in showing people the benefits of skills development and partnership working.
“I would like to say a heartfelt congratulations to every one of this year’s finalists and wish them good luck at the ALBAS ceremony in March.”
