A Mull-based agriculture student from the Ayr Campus of Scotland’s Rural College has been shortlisted for another national education award – just weeks after being named agricultural student of the year.

Swiss-born Claire Simonetta is one of several students from all corners of the UK to be selected for the degree category in the British Education Awards.

The 25-year-old student is currently in her fourth and final year of a BSc degree in Agriculture at SRUC, while helping run a beef and sheep hill farm on Mull with her partner.

The BEA aims to recognise students who have excelled within the British education system, acknowledging their personal endeavour and application. Claire said: “I am honoured to be one of finalists and hope that I can win another prestigious award.

“One of the keys to my success is the ‘open-doors’ studying environment at SRUC’s Ayr Campus. It is a great place to learn with good facilities and helpful and friendly staff and tutors who take an interest in the individual student.

“In the last three years, I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge that has been invaluable on the farm at home on Mull, where I can apply the theory of what I have learned.”

Senior tutor and programme leader for agriculture at SRUC Ayr, Dr Jan Connell, said: “This is another fantastic achievement for Claire and so deserving. Claire excels in everything she puts her mind to and we are so fortunate that she is a student with us at Ayr.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed having Claire as a student and it is so rewarding when we can see both the hard work of students and teaching staff being recognised in this way.”

The winners will be announced at the British Education Awards ceremony being held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on January 30, 2017.