FLS apprentices shine at industry awards

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) apprentices have triumphed at this year’s Lantra Scotland Awards for Land Based and Aquaculture skills.

All four FLS apprentices that were in contention for awards – held during Scottish Apprenticeship Week – were recognised as either winners or runners-up in a variety of categories.

Cromarty-based Modern Apprentice Craftsperson Stewart Smith completed an impressive hat trick that included being named the overall winner – the highest accolade of the night – along with securing the Modern Apprentice and Trees and Timber learner of the year.

Modern Wildlife Ranger Apprentice Murray Henderson who is based at Newton Stewart won the Game and Wildlife category while colleague and fellow Wildlife Ranger Apprentice Fenna Whittaker from Glasgow was announced as runner-up. Murray also claimed the Tam Tod Trophy for outstanding young countryside learner.

Rounding out a successful night for the FLS apprentices, Kirsty Gibson Modern Apprentice Craftsperson at Lochgilphead took out the runner-up award in the Trees and Timber category.

All four apprentices are combining practical on the job training with undertaking additional learning at college or university.

FLS has 28 apprentices across Scotland that work in a variety of roles, such as in mechanical and engineering services, civil engineering, and as wildlife rangers or crafts persons.

Stewart said:

“It is pretty special to have won these awards. It was not something I was expecting.

“It really is a testament to the support and training we, as apprentices, get from FLS colleagues in our teams and regions and across the organisation.

“I feel lucky that I have been able to find and take on an opportunity like this that allows me to work outdoors and in nature and is providing me with a route into a rewarding career in forestry.”

Additionally, FLS Stewardship Forester Marc Pickering, working out of Lochgilphead, was the winner of the Lantra Mentor of the Year Award for inspiring mentor.

Graeme Prest, Director of Land Management and Regions, said:

“I want to congratulate our nominated apprentices on achieving these fantastic results. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication as well as the efforts of the staff guiding them through their apprenticeships.  

“At FLS we are incredibly proud of all our apprentices who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and from across Scotland and even further afield. Many from rural areas allowing them to remain close to home.

“Modern Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to bring new blood into the forestry sector and equip people with life skills that they can take with them in future years. Our apprentices really enjoy the work they do and the opportunities that working with us opens up for them.”

Background:

• Stewart Smith from Cromarty in the Highlands is doing an SVQ in Trees & Timber at the Scottish School of Forestry, UHI Inverness while working as an Apprentice Craftsperson with Forestry and Land Scotland
• Murray Henderson from Newton Stewart is doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Gamekeeping at SRUC Elmwood while working as a Wildlife Ranger Apprentice for Forestry and Land Scotland
• Fenna Whittaker from Glasgow is doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Gamekeeping at SRUC Elmwood while working as a Wildlife Ranger Apprentice at Forestry and Land Scotland
• Kirsty Gibson from Lochgilphead in Argyll is doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber at the Scottish School of Forestry, UHI Inverness while working as an Apprentice Crafts Person at Forestry & Land Scotland

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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3. Media enquiries to Neil Ratley, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07748 872785 or neil.ratley@forestryandland.gov.scot