Fantastic five celebrate success at National ALBAS

What an exceptional night it was for five of our students at last night’s ALBAS, with all finalists coming away with prizes on the night @borderscollege

The ALBAS – Lantra Scotland’s much-anticipated Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills, took place virtually on social media, with three winner and two runner-up places bagged on the night.

Staff from Borders College, as well as family and friends, were delighted to learn of the student’s success, which was as follows:

Winner – Maureen Brown – Horticulture category (SVQ Level 3 Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces)
Winner – Susan Turner – Animal Care category (HNC Animal Care)
Winner – Shauna Murdie – Agriculture category (Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture Level 3)
Runner-up – Amy Lochhead – Agriculture category (Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture Level 3)
Runner-up – Morag Williams – Equine category (NPA in horse care at level 6)

Emulating the success of past Borders College students, who have triumphed at the awards, including Charlie Blance, who won the overall Winner Award in March 2020, this was an exceptional achievement for all the students and they should be proud of themselves.

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 three winners and two runners-up 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 are delighted for everyone involved.”

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

“I am delighted for all the Borders College students at last night’s finals. 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 congratulating her on the runner-up place.”