After completing an undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Craig Simpson won the NFU mutual centenary award which provides annual bursaries for postgraduate students in agriculture.

This helped cement his decision to study for a Masters degree in Agricultural Professional Practice (APP) at SRUC’s Aberdeen campus.

“Following my undergraduate degree, I was keen to go into employment,” said Craig, who was born and raised on a family farm in East Lothian. “However, I also wanted to continue with my studies and pass my BASIS certificate in crop protection exams.

“The flexible nature of the APP course allowed me to study towards this professional qualification, and to continue to work throughout my studies.”

Craig’s hard work has paid off and he is now working as a technical advisor for agrochemical manufacturer Bayer. “I hope to continue my development in the crop protection sector and work in the arable industry in future years,” he said.