Top trainees chosen

Andrew Moore, who has completed his Modern Apprenticeship Level 3 in Aquaculture with Dawnfresh Farming, will compete against Stuart Simon, who is studying for a Modern Apprenticeship Level 3 in Aquaculture at Inverness College and working with the Scottish Salmon Company.

Organised by Lantra Scotland, the sector skills council for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental industries, the awards celebrate the achievements of learners of all ages, and will take place at a ceremony and gala dinner in the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel on 5th March.

The independent panel of judges is chaired by Ray Jones, former Chairman of Scotland Food and Drink, and comprises: Erika Hay, agriculture and rural affairs journalist; Keith Paterson, Learning and Development Manager at Forestry Commission Scotland; Keith Redpath, of Redpath Farms; Lisa Connell, Training & Development Manager with The Scottish Salmon Company and Rebecca Dawes, Communication & Rural Affairs Manager with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs.

Craig Anderson, Managing Director at The Scottish Salmon Company, said: “We have been involved with Lantra for the past number of years and we are very proud to be the main sponsor of this year’s event. Training and development of staff is an integral part of the Scottish Salmon Company and, we believe, that by improving the quality of training offered to those in the land-based and aquaculture industries Lantra helps to reduce the current skills gap.

“The standard of this year’s finalists is particularly high and is reflective of the strength and talent of the workforce across both the land-based and aquaculture industries in Scotland. Best wishes to all finalists for this year’s awards.”

Tickets for the evening are now on sale from Lantra. To find out more, call 01738 646 762, email lantra.scotland@lantra.co.uk or visit www.lantra.co.uk/Nations/Scotland. Lantra Scotland is on Twitter and Facebook as @LantraScotland