Achievements of two Moray trainees recognised with ALBAS nominations
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TWO Moray trainees have been shortlisted for national awards for their work in Scotland's rural sector.
Brodie Linklater from Aberlour, and Cameron Murray from Forres, have been nominated for Lantra Scotland's Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS).
The ALBAS play a vital role in promoting careers within the rural sector, celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.
Brodie has been doing a modern apprenticeship in horticulture through UHI Moray while working as an apprentice gardener at The Macallan Distillery in Aberlour.
She said: “Gardening started off as a hobby, passed onto me through my mum.
"I have a keen interest in all things nature and I always knew I wanted to work outdoors.
"When I saw my current job advertised, I jumped at the chance to apply.
"Many people would love their hobby to be their day job so I feel lucky that this is the case for me.”
Cameron has been busy working on an SVQ in trees and timber through the School of Forestry at UHI Inverness and has been working as an apprentice forester at Moray Estates in Forres.
He was nominated by Neil Stewart of the Scottish School of Forestry.
Neil said: "was fortunate enough to be involved in assessing Cameron through his apprenticeship journey.
"He had the get up and go to try anything in his path, and his ability to tackle any practical task was a pleasure to observe.
"I think that he will be a great asset to the estate, or whichever route he takes."
Categories at this year’s ALBAS cover agriculture, aquaculture, equine, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.
Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel made up of figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland.
The winners will be announced on Thursday, March 9 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro.
Host for the evening will be sheep farmer Cammy Wilson from Ayrshire, who also runs popular YouTube channel The Sheep Game.
