LANTRA Annual Awards 2006

A total of 17 finalists from across Scotland, including an Agricultural Modern Apprentice from Islay, an Equine student from Cupar and a Trees and Timber Modern Apprentice from Argyll all featured at the event which is held to recognise and reward outstanding learners, and to raise awareness of the many career and training opportunities that exist for all ages within the land-based industries.
This year saw the introduction of a new category ‘Land-based Curriculum for Schools, Student of the Year’ (sponsored by D&J Thomson, West Park) for secondary school pupils undertaking the Scottish Progression Award (SPA) in Rural Skills or ‘Skills For Work’’ vocational courses. The prize for this went to Andrew Houston of Blairgowrie High School.

Exemplary
These awards enjoy tremendous support from industry in attending and championing the event. Taypack Potatoes were the major sponsor of the 2006 awards and a collective £2,500 in sponsorship was raised by land-based businesses, all of which is given as prizes to the finalists. The majority of the sponsorship funds raised came from employers and farmers, cleasrly demonstrating the commitment of industry to training.
Jim Webster, a retired farm manager from Perthshire, who chairs the independent judging panel for the awards, said: “The quality of the candidates was simply outstanding and as judges we faced some very hard decisions indeed. These young people are exemplary in their dedication and hard work. They are all winners and it is an honour to celebrate their success.”