Five-star showing for students at National ALBAS Awards

Five Borders College (@BordersCollege) students are celebrating after being selected as finalists for the ALBAS, Lantra Scotland’s much-anticipated Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills – an exceptional achievement for everyone involved.

Staff from Borders College recently submitted nominations and were delighted to learn that the students were shortlisted for the finals.

The finalists are as follows:

Morag Williams (top left of image) – Equine category (NPA in horse care at level 6)
Shauna Murdie (top middle of image) – Agriculture category (Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture Level 3)
Amy Lockhead (top right of image) – Agriculture category (Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture Level 3)
Susan Turner (bottom left of image) – Animal Care category (HNC Animal Care)
Maureen Brown (bottom right of image) – Horticulture category (SVQ Level 3 Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces)

They will be hoping to emulate the success of past Borders College students, who have tasted success at the awards, including Charlie Blance, who won the overall Winner Award in March 2020.

The finalists for ALBAS 21 were chosen 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.

These annual awards recognise the achievements of individuals, employer partnerships and training providers in land-based and aquaculture, as well as raising the profile of training and employment opportunities and highlighting the benefits to employers of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce.

Curriculum Learning Manager for the Rural Skills department Mary Thomson commented:

“To have five students successfully reach the ALBAS finals is an incredible achievement which highlights the hard work, passion and commitment of our staff and students in a particularly challenging year. The rural skills department will all be looking forward to cheering the finalists on at the virtual awards ceremony.”

Curriculum Learning Manager for the Sport and Outdoor Activities department Darren Burns commented:

“I am delighted for all the Borders College students that have been shortlisted for the final. I am especially pleased for Morag, from my area, who deserves the recognition for all the hard work that she has put in. Despite the challenges this year has presented Morag has consistently excelled in her work; I am sure the staff and students that work with her will join me in wishing her good luck for the final.”

Liz Barron-Majerik, Director of Lantra Scotland commented:

“I’m delighted to announce the finalists for our 2021 ALBAS. As well as showcasing the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector, they also promote qualifications and skills development across our sector.”

Borders College would like to wish everyone involved the very best of luck at the upcoming virtual awards ceremony, which will be held at 7pm on Thursday 4 March via social media.