Aquaculture trainees take top spot at Lantra Scotland Learner of the Year Awards

24-year-old Lisa Askham, an aquaculture apprentice from Lochcarron, has won the Aquaculture category at Lantra Scotland’s annual Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards. The runner-up spot went to Hayley Eccles, aged 31 from Strathcarron.

Lisa completed a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ Level 2 in Aquaculture at Inverness College UHI while working as a Freshwater Operative at The Scottish Salmon Company’s Russelburn Hatchery in Kishorn. Lisa is a fast learner and understands the importance of fish health, fish husbandry, and the importance of a stable environment to maximise production and ensure the fish are stress free and healthy.

Lisa said: “Thank you to Lantra Scotland for giving me this fantastic award. It’s great to be recognised for your efforts, and it’s a real boost for my self-belief and confidence in my abilities. Thank you to everyone at Inverness College UHI and Alasdair MacDonald my manager at Russelburn Hatchery. Without the support and help of those around me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Murray Stark from Inverness College UHI said: “We are all delighted Lisa has won this award. She has approached her MA qualification with a level of quality and seriousness that is second to none, and used the skills she has developed to improve herself. She is meticulous with her detail in all aspects of her work and thoroughly deserves to be recognised for her efforts.”