UHI Inverness forestry student triumphs at national awards

Scottish School of Forestry student Harry Evans from Beauly won the Higher Education Award for HNC level at Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS) at the Crieff Hydro Hotel earlier this month.

Harry, who is studying HNC in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, said: “Thanks to Neil Cleland for nominating me and my other tutors at UHI Inverness, Lantra Scotland and to everyone who has supported me along the way. It’s been great to pick up this award.”

Over 200 finalists, event supporters, employers, training providers and industry leaders attended a glittering award ceremony, including Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.

After an opening address by Mr Fairlie, awards were presented by the evening’s host, the Red Shepherdess, otherwise known as Hannah Jackson. Industry awards were made for agriculture, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. The winners and runners-up for ALBAS 2024 were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Rebecca Dawes, Agriculture and Rural Communicator at Jane Craigie Marketing and trustee of RSABI and The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.

The ALBAS are organised by Lantra, the sector skills council for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries.

Dr Liz Barron-Majerik, Scotland Director, Lantra said: "Our awards highlight the incredible people who are working in Scotland’s land-based and aquaculture sector, while also encouraging employers to think about their future workforce. I’d like to congratulate all those who were nominated, as that in itself is quite an achievement. The standard of entries this year was again really high, so not everyone can get through to the final stage. Our learners are literally the best of the best from our sector and crucial to the economy, our communities and for the environment."

Lantra’s work in Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government.

To find out more about the ALBAS, visit www.scotland.lantra.co.uk/learner-year