Five shortlisted for Lantra Scotland fish farming awards
Five aquaculture trainees whose study ranges from a modern apprenticeship to a doctorate have been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS), which will be presented at Crieff Hydro Hotel on Thursday, March 6.
Lewis Henderson, from Isle of Gigha, is doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at UHI Shetland while working in fish husbandry for Bakkafrost Scotland.
Henderson said: “Having lived on an island all my life, I have always had a deep passion for the sea and aquaculture. As my father is also a fish farmer, my initial interest started there and has only grown over the years.”
Derek Dunning, from Lochgilphead, is also doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at UHI Shetland. He works in fish husbandry for steelhead (rainbow trout) producer Kames Fish Farm in Oban.
Dunning said: “I have a passion for the ocean, spending free time spearfishing and five years in the NSRI which is the South African equivalent of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). The most satisfying and rewarding part of the job for me is improving the site I work on, from health and safety to general housekeeping and maintaining the equipment.”
Robaidh Halliday, from Portree on the Isle of Skye, is doing an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) Level 9 in Aquaculture Management at UHI Shetland while working as a site manager for Organic Sea Harvest in Portree.
“I have been working on fishing boats for most of my time since leaving school,” said Halliday. “I had a young family and was looking for a job that would allow me to stay in the area I grew up in, still work at sea and have a good work life balance. I instantly fell in love with fish farming and knew this was the job for me.”
Robert Stewart, from Edinburgh, is doing a PhD in Aquaculture at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh.
He said: “Aquaculture is a growing and important food production system in the UK and abroad, and my work allows me to support that worthwhile sector whilst working with my favourite animals.”
Mary Collins, from Glasgow, is doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at UHI Shetland while working in fish husbandry at Bakkafrost Scotland on the Isle of Gigha.
Collins said: “My first manager was a wonderful teacher and greatly supported me and my skills development in my first job as a technician. I’ve learned so much over my two years in the industry. At the beginning, I was a complete novice with no practical skills to my name and it felt like I was way out of my depth. Now I feel comfortable jumping into any task and improving my skills every day.”
Lantra Scotland director Liz Barron-Majerik said: “Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS play an important role in the land-based and aquaculture sector, as they highlight the fantastic achievements of skilled and dedicated staff at different levels of their careers, from new entrants to career changers, while also showing employers, businesses and other organisations the benefits of skills development and partnership working.
“I’m delighted to say that we have again had a record number of entries in for the ALBAS, so congratulations to all those nominated and especial good luck to all the finalists at our ceremony in March.
“Thanks also to the independent industry figures who are our judges, to training providers and employers who submit the nominations, and of course to all of our generous supporters who make our event possible.”
