A Cumnock-based charity has been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS).

Based at Dumfries House, The King's Foundation has been running the Food for the Future project in partnership with Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty.

The secondary school-age programme tackles the issue of food waste by guiding pupils through various skills masterclasses.

Playing a vital role in promoting careers within the rural sector, the ALBAS celebrate the achievements of learners and highlights the importance to employers of investing in skills.

Cumnock Chronicle: Dumfries House.Dumfries House. (Image: Tommy Samson, Cumnock Chronicle Camera Club)

The award ceremony will take place at the Crieff Hydro on Thursday, March 7.

Industry categories at this year's ALBAS cover agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, equine, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.

Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland.

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Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE MICFor, Director of Lantra Scotland said: "Our ALBAS have an important role to play in highlighting the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector, and in showing people the benefits of skills development and partnership working.

"I would like to say a heartfelt congratulations to every one of this year's finalists and wish them good luck at the ALBAS ceremony in March, but I’d also like to say a big ‘well done’ to all of our nominees.

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"We had a record number of nominations which were of a very high standard indeed.

"We are also grateful to the independent industry figures who are our judges, to training providers and employers who submit the nominations, and of course to all our generous supporters who make our event possible."