A YOUNG Clacks man has been shortlisted for a coveted national award.

Niall Provan, from Tillicoultry, has been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s much-anticipated Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS).

The winners will be announced at a special virtual ceremony taking place on Thursday, March 4, 2021.

Niall has been doing a modern apprenticeship in Rural Skills at the Callander Youth Project Trust, through SRUC Oatridge.

The 21-year-old said: “I’ve always had an affinity for the outdoors, starting from a young age. I enjoy exploring the countryside, climbing hills, and knowing how landscapes formed.

“When I realised I could pursue my interests as a career, I went for it.”

Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries.

The ALBAS celebrate the achievements of Scotland’s talented rural learners, and help to highlight the importance of investing in skills for employers.

Finalists come from a range of rural industries, including agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.

The finalists for ALBAS 2021 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.

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.

“It’s important to remember that everyone who was nominated, whether they have become finalists or not, should be very proud of this recognition.

“Although this year’s ceremony will be online, we’re still planning on making it a virtual night to remember for all our finalists.”

“We are also very grateful to the independent panel of judges, training providers and employers for their contributions, and of course to all of our generous sponsors.”

Keith Paterson, chair of the independent judging panel, added: “As judges for the ALBAS, we are extremely impressed with the high quality of the nominees this year.

“We all find it very rewarding to interview them and learn more about their inspirational stories.

“Getting to this stage in the ALBAS reflects the high value we place on our finalists as representatives of their industries.

“It’s exciting to see such a range of talent and enthusiasm coming through across Scotland, as it will strengthen our rural sector for the future.”