THREE local rural trainees have been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS 25.
Findley Reid, Murray Henderson and Callum Adam will be heading to the awards for land-based and aquaculture skills in Crieff in March.
The trio are all studying at different campuses of the SRUC.
Findley from Dalbeattie is doing an SVQ in land-based engineering (forestry) at SRUC Barony while working for Jas P Wilson in Dalbeattie.
He said: “I’ve always been interested in machinery and was inclined to STEM subjects. After leaving school, I wanted to find a job that was hands-on and mechanical, I was unsure what industry would suit. “From 15 I’ve had a car project on the go, so wanted to be a car mechanic. I then met Drew Easton and gained experience at Jas P Wilson. Exposed to complex machinery, I decided on the forestry engineering route.”
Murray from Newton Stewart is doing a Modern Apprenticeship in gamekeeping at SRUC Elmwood while working for Forestry and Land Scotland.
He said: “I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about the day-to-day role of a wildlife ranger but have found my progress to be very satisfying, gaining knowledge within the wildlife ranger role and other roles within Forestry Land Scotland.”
Callum, also from Newton Stewart, is doing an extended Diploma in land-based engineering at SRUC Barony while working for Gordons. He said: “My parents had a big influence on me growing up, encouraging me towards the agricultural engineering industry. To date in my career and education, my greatest achievement was when I was awarded the We Are Land Based Engineering Award in 2023 from hundreds of entries.
“I plan to further my career with Gordon’s and continue to learn and grow my skill set as a mechanic hoping to become a Master technician.”
Finalists for the ALBAS 2025 were selected by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the sector.
Lantra Scotland director Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE MICFor, said: “I’m delighted to say that we have again had a record number of entries in for the ALBAS, so congratulations to all those nominated and especial good luck to all the finalists at our ceremony in March.”
