Two Barony College fisheries students have been awarded top honours at the Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year Awards. Sixteen year old Dean Marshall from Dumfries was awarded the Land Based Curriculum for Schools Learner of the Year while Jamie McAndrew from Aberdeenshire was a joint winner in the GC Taylor (Farms) Ltd Outstanding Achievement Awards.
The seventh Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year Awards reward achievement in the Scottish environment and land-based sector and attract a large number of entries from across Scotland. The students were presented with their awards by Dr Gordon McGlone OBE, Lantra Chairman and Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and by Russell Taylor of sponsors GC Taylor (Farms) Ltd at a glittering awards ceremony at Creiff Hydro on Thursday 4th March.
Dean Marshall who went to Maxwelltown High School in Dumfries completed the NPA Rural Skills Award last June and is now studying for a National Certificate in Fisheries at Barony College. Dean said:
"Rural Skills opened my eyes to what I can achieve and helped me to find my career route in Fisheries. I am passionate about what I am doing and would like to have the chance to motivate other pupils to try Rural Skills as well and I hope the award would help me to do that."
Jamie McAndrew completed a Higher National Certificate in Fish Farming last year and is now working as Fresh Water Manager at Kames Fish Farming, a company he did a work placement at as part of his course. Jamie said:
“I’ve been a keen fisherman since a young boy, so fish farming seemed like a good choice of industry to get involved in. The good balance of theory, practical skills and work experience I have gained from Barony College and on fish farms will continue to help me meet the demands of the industry and remain passionate about the career.”
Russell Marchant, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Barony College said:
“Both Jamie and Dean are outstanding students who are very deserving of these important awards. Dean excels at everything he does and is an example to all his classmates. He has strong leadership qualities and it is a privilege to have him at Barony College. Jamie graduated last summer and was a student who made the very best of every opportunity at college, throwing himself into his academic studies, college social life and events and excelling during his work experience. His positive and enthusiastic approach has already secured him an excellent position as a Freshwater Manager and I look forward to hearing how his career develops.”
William Fergusson, Lantra National Director for Scotland said:
“The Land-based Learner of the Year awards attract a very high calibre of candidates who have shown an interest in further developing their skills and knowledge with the intent to further their career. It is vital for the future of these industries that we continue to encourage new entrants and demonstrate how employers can see bottom line benefits that highly skilled new entrants can bring to the business.”
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
