Twelve SRUC learners named finalists in Scotland’s land-based skills awards
Twelve students and apprentices from SRUC have been selected as finalists for this year’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS).
They are among 26 of Scotland’s top trainees and rural learners shortlisted for the awards, organised by Lantra Scotland.
Lantra Scotland is a charity working to increase the number and diversity of employees in the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation sector, as well as drive their skills development.
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.
Industry categories in the ALBAS cover animal care, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, veterinary nursing and trees and timber.
As well as industry awards, there are prizes for Overall Winner, Runner-up and Modern Apprentice of the Year, along with awards recognising higher education, schools, research, mentoring and partnership working.
Finalist Danielle Newlands, who completed an SVQ in Land-based Engineering (Agriculture) through SRUC Oatridge while working as an Apprentice Land-based Engineer with Ravenhill, said:
“Getting nominated was a complete honour, I never thought this would be in my future but then to find out I am a finalist and I am going to see the ALBAs for myself is a dream come true. It just shows anything truly is possible if you are willing to put in the work and be passionate. I always questioned where I belonged in life, but this shows to me that I’ve found my place. Grateful every day to be in this industry, every day is a learning day.”
Other SRUC finalists include:
- Amelia Radford from Insch in Aberdeenshire - Modern Apprenticeship in Equine through SRUC, while working as an Apprentice Stable Hand at Strathorn Farm Stables Pitcaple, Inverurie
- Curtis Donnachie from West Calder in West Lothian - NC in Countryside Management at SRUC
- Fiona Basford from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire - HND in Wildlife and Conservation Management at SRUC
- Jack Ritchie from Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway - SVQ in Land Based Engineering for Forestry through SRUC Oatridge Campus while working as an Apprentice Mechanic with Forestry and Land Scotland
- Kristie King from Cupar in Fife - Lantra Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - Small Animal through SRUC while working as a Student Veterinary Nurse with Wilson and Partners in Cupar, Fife
- Liam Clive from Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway - SVQ in Land Based Engineering for Forestry through SRUC Oatridge while working as an Apprentice Mechanic for Forestry and Land Scotland
- Luke Barclay from Keith, Moray - Land-Based Pre-apprenticeship through Ringlink and SRUC
- Rochelle Kennedy from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire - PhD on impacts of mixed farming systems on nocturnal invertebrates and bats through SRUC
- Sarah Forbes from Stirling - SVQ in Horticulture through SRUC Oatridge while working as a Gardener with Historic Environment Scotland
- Sparrow George-Buck from Livingston, West Lothian - HNC Equine Studies at SRUC Oatridge
- Summer Edmond from Corstorphine in Edinburgh - BSc in Equine Science at SRUC Oatridge while working for Cavalier Clipping
SRUC Vice Principal, Mary Thomson said: “Well done to all our finalists. Reaching the finals is a huge achievement and whatever the outcome, they have already made a significant impact within their chosen industry and a fantastic start to their land-based career and lifelong learning journey."
Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE, Director of Lantra Scotland, commented: “Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS are a long-established and important part of the land‑based and aquaculture sector, shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of skilled and dedicated people at every stage of their careers, from new entrants to those embarking on fresh pathways. They also demonstrate to employers, businesses and partner organisations the real value of skills development and collaborative working.
“I’m delighted that we have once again received a record number of entries, so warmest congratulations go to everyone nominated, and very best wishes to all our finalists ahead of the ceremony in March.
“My thanks also go to our independent industry judges, to the training providers and employers who put forward nominations, and to our generous supporters whose commitment makes this event possible.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 5 March at Crieff Hydro Hotel, hosted by horticultural magazine publisher, writer and podcaster MT O’Donnell.
Tickets are available from Lantra Scotland - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lantra
Posted by SRUC on 04/02/2026
