A rural game and wildlife trainee from Comrie has been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s much-anticipated Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS).
Rory Donaldson (17) has been forwarded following the completion of a national certificate in gamekeeping at Drummond Estates through SRUC Elmwood Campus in Fife.
He is also passionate about the conservation and management of red deer.
Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries and the ALBAS play a vital role in promoting rural careers, celebrating the achievements of learners, and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.
Industry categories at the awards cover agriculture, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.
Rory will find out if he is a winner at the prestigious gala dinner and award ceremony on Thursday, March 3 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro, hosted by farmer and stand-up comedian Jim Smith.
Rory said: “I’ve always been interested in countryside sports and conservation.
“Studying gamekeeping at SRUC has brought together all the things I enjoy as well as giving me new experiences.
“I find it rewarding that I get to play my part in the conservation and management of red deer.”
The finalists for ALBAS 2022 were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland.
Director of Lantra Scotland, Liz Barron-Majerik, commented: “It is a privilege to be able to name the finalists for our 2022 ALBAS, especially in this, the 20th year the awards have been running.
“Since they were first launched, there have been over 1000 nominees and 300 finalists from across our industries.
“The ALBAS have become well-known for highlighting the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector, as well as promoting skills development and effective partnership working.
“As well as congratulating the finalists, I’d also like to say well done to everyone who was nominated, whether they have made it to the later stages of our awards or not.
“They should be very proud of this recognition.
“We are also very grateful to the independent and experienced panel of industry figures who do the judging, to training providers and employers who submit the nominations, and of course to all of our generous supporters.”
Tickets for the evening are available from Lantra Scotland by calling 01738 310164 or by emailing scotland@lantra.co.uk
Lantra’s work in Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government.
