Engineering apprentice from Dornoch in line for award

A DORNOCH teenager has been shortlisted in the Lantra Scotland learner of the year awards.

Michael McLeod (19), an agricultural machinery apprentice with Robertsons of Tain, through Scotlands Rural College, is in the running for an ALBA (Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) award.

He will find out whether he has won in his category at the presentation ceremony in the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Thursday, March 5.

Michael said he had chosen an engineering career after his upbringing on a croft gave him an interest in agriculture.

“I fancied doing a more varied form of mechanics which this job has given me,” he said. “It’s really satisfying when I discover what the fault is and then repair a machine.

“After my apprenticeship I hope to continue working at Robertsons of Tain and further my skills and go on some dealership courses."

Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries, and the awards celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.

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