MAUCHLINE teenager Cameron Howie has won a Learner of the Year award.

The 18-year-old beat off all competition to take the Land-based Engineering category at the Lantra Scotland Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards.

He was presented with the award by TV presenter Dougie Vipond at a ceremony held at the plush Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Cameron is doing a modern apprenticeship in land-based engineering through Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) while working for John H. McNae Ltd.

He said: “Thank you Lantra Scotland for this great award. It’s always nice to be recognised for your efforts and this gives me the confidence that I have made the right career choice. I’d like to thank my employers at John H. McNae and tutors at Barony College for all their continued help and support.”

Lantra Scotland operate through a network of training providers to provide the qualifications, skills and knowledge needed in the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector. Their director, Kevin Patrick, says the awards play a vital role in celebrating the achievements of trainees within Scotland’s rural sector, as well as encouraging employers to invest in the next generation of talent.

He addeed: “Our awards highlight the incredible people, the great work they do and the career opportunities within Scotland’s land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries.”

Former head of Scotland Food and Drink, Ray Jones, was chairman of the judging panel which also included Keith Paterson of the Forestry Commission and Keith Redpath of Redpath Farms.