Aquaculture trainees Lewis Henderson, Derek Dunning, Robaidh Halliday, Robert Stewart and Mary Collins have all been short-listed for Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS), which will take place at Crieff Hydro Hotel on 6 March 2025.
Lewis, who hails from the Isle of Gigha, is completing a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture whilst working with Bakkafrost Scotland. Regarding his inspiration for joining the industry, he 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, a Lochgilphead local, is also undertaking a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture, and works in fish husbandry for the renowned Kames Fish Farm in Oban.
"I have a passion for the ocean, spending my free time spearfishing and five years in the NSRI - which is the South African equivalent of the RNLI. 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," he said.
Robaidh, from the Isle of Skye, is working towards his Level 9 qualification in aquaculture management whilst 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. 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," he said.
Robert Stewart, from Edinburgh, is currently completing a PhD in aquaculture at the Roslin Institute. 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, originally from Glasgow, is working towards a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture whilst working for Bakkafrost Scotland on the Isle of Gigha. Reflecting on her experiences, she said: "My first manager was a wonderful teacher and greatly supported me and my skill 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.”
The ALBAS play a vital role in promoting careers within the rural sector, celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skill development. Industry categories this year cover a broad range of careers, from aquaculture and fisheries management to equine care and environmental conservation.
“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," said Dr Liz Barron-Majerik, director of Lantra Scotland.
