Bakkafrost site manager nets aquaculture award

Bakkafrost Scotland site manager Craig Johnstone has been named Aquaculture Learner of the Year in annual awards presented by rural skills group Lantra Scotland.

The salmon farmer, from Tarbert in Argyll, has been doing a Technical Apprenticeship in Aquaculture through UHI Shetland while working for Bakkafrost at Gigha.

“Thanks to Lantra Scotland for selecting me for these awards, and to my tutors at UHI Shetland and employers at Bakkafrost Scotland who have stuck with me throughout. It’s an honour to be recognised like this,” said Johnstone.

Lori Smith from Bixter in Shetland took the runner up spot in the aquaculture category. Smith has been doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture through UHI Shetland while working as a technician for salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms.

Best of the best

More than 230 finalists, event supporters, employers, training providers and industry leaders attended the ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) awards ceremony in Dunblane last night.

Liz Barron-Majerik, Scotland Director, Lantra, said: “We have again had some fantastic entries for the ALBAS, and everyone who was nominated should be very proud of their achievements.

“Our learners are literally the best of the best from our sector, a sector which is crucial to the economy, our communities and for the environment.

“There was an impressive range of representatives from industry and skills organisations at our ceremony, too.”