Minister crowns first top aquaculture learner

Maureen Watt MSP presented the new award to 23 year old site manager Jamie MacKinnon at the fifth annual Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year Awards last week. Organised by Lantra, and supported by Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, the new award category was created to recognise outstanding learners and to promote aquaculture as an attractive career choice.

 A new recruit to the sector only two years ago, Jamie is now equipping himself with the experience and skills that will help provide a bright future in the industry and assist him with his ambition to work overseas. 

 “I want to make the best possible career for myself, so I aim to get as much experience and training as possible,” said MacKinnon, an employee of Scot Trout Limited.

 “In the future I would like to progress up through area management and possibly work abroad, maybe in Chile or Norway.” 

 Maureen Watt MSP said:   “I am very encouraged by the high calibre of nominees received for these awards.”

 The fish farmer was amongst 11 top learners from ages 15-44 from across Scotland to receive awards.