Search begins for Scotland's best aquaculture learners
The search for Scotland’s Aquaculture Learner of the Year 2025 has been launched by rural skills training body Lantra Scotland.
Nominations for Lantra’s ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) opened this week.
Deadline for entries to the ALBAS is Monday, December 2, and winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Crieff Hydro Hotel on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Liz Barron-Majerik, Scotland director for Lantra, said: “Land-based and aquaculture industries make a big contribution to Scotland’s economy, particularly in rural areas, so we’re delighted that we can recognise and celebrate the success of our top learners, employers, training providers and partners through the ALBAS.
Dedication and achievements
“The awards highlight the dedication and achievements of everyone involved and of course becoming a finalist can make a huge difference to people’s self-confidence and careers too.
“Our sector offers a huge range of training and employment opportunities, and we’re keen to highlight the benefits to employers of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce as well.
“Once we have all the nominations in, an independent panel of employers and industry representatives decides who to shortlist for interview based on what’s in the application form and what nominators say in their reference. They are looking for knowledge of industry, passion for the sector, future plans and ambitions, and learning journeys, with each of these factors having the same importance.
“It's what you put in the nomination form that determines whether you will be invited for interview, so it’s worth spending time on your application.”
Best 'office' in the world
The current Aquaculture Learner of the Year is Oban-based Craig Grounds, a trainee site manager for salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms. Cooke Scotland site assistant Stuart Lavender, based in Shetland, was runner-up in the 2024 contest.
Originally from Teesside in the northeast of England, Grounds said he had never heard of salmon farming when he relocated to Scotland. But having decided to settle on the west coast with his girlfriend, now wife, he knew it was the life for him.
“Being surrounded by nature, mountains, eagles, dolphins, and even the weather, it’s the best ‘office’ in the world. The people are great, too, and it’s never a chore going into work. I’ve loved every minute of it so far.”
Lantra recently strengthened its fish farming links by appointing former Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) education and training chief Jill Couto-Phoenix as head of aquaculture. Lantra has also taken over from SAIC as host organisation of Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA).
