Senior Phase student and High School pupil Hayden Taylor-Ramsay is shortlisted at LANTRA's annual ALBAS Awards

Kingussie High School pupil and UHI North, West and Hebrides Senior Phase student Hayden Taylor-Ramsay, commonly known as Timmy, has been named as a finalist at the annual Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS) run by LANTRA Scotland.

Timmy (15), who joined the Rural Skills Senior Phase course last August, is passionate about pursuing a career as a shepherd, inspired by his grandfathers' farming and gamekeeping backgrounds.

David Olds, Timmy’s course leader, commended his dedication, saying: "This is a fantastic achievement for Timmy and everyone at UHI North, West and Hebrides is incredibly proud of him. Timmy shows all the traits that is looked for by employers in this industry and we look forward to seeing how he progresses with his career.”

David continued, “We are delighted to expand our land based senior phase courses across the region and give schools pupils an opportunity to develop the foundations of working in the land and rural skills sector.”

The Rural Skills course focuses on fundamental skills in the land-based industry and covers estate maintenance, animal husbandry, animal handling, and veterinary care.

LANTRA Scotland, a charity committed to fostering diversity in the land-based, aquaculture, and environmental conservation sector, organise the ALBAS to celebrate the achievements of learners like Timmy and highlight the importance of investing in skills within the rural sector.

Timmy, looking forward to the ALBAS awards night at Crieff Hydro Hotel this Thursday (7 March) said, "I can't wait to meet everyone at the awards ceremony; it's going to be an unforgettable evening."

Senior Phase applications for the 2024-25 entry are now open. Interested students can explore over 20 subject areas through various delivery modes, including on-campus - face-to-face, and online.