LEADING THE agricultural shortlist for the 2020 ALBAS are Gavin Elrick, Greig Lambie, Jack Young, Lawrence Martin, Michael McLeod and Shaun MacLeod.

Ground care machinery student Gavin, aged 22 from Westhill, Aberdeen, said: “The great thing about land-based engineering is that you are always learning as the industry advances. I have a strong interest and passion for the development of the industry and what the future holds.”

Fellow engineer Greig, aged 20 from Strathaven, said: “I was always drawn to the mechanical side of things so agricultural engineering was where I wanted to be. I am motivated to be the best I possibly can be with help from others and the interest I have throughout the agricultural sector.”

Jack, aged 19 from Crossford, Carluke, said: “I have been interested in farming for as long as I can remember and always knew I wanted to be involved in the family business. Gaining my HND in Agriculture from SRUC has to be one the greatest achievements of my career and I am very grateful for the skills that I learned in my time there.”

Lawrence, aged 30 from Tillicoultry, said: “Farming is something that I have wanted to do since I was small. It is a lifestyle that fits perfectly with the kind of person that I am. I'm not from a farming background but I quickly found out about the amazing community that is created in and around farms and between farming families.”

Michael, aged 19 from Dornoch, said: “I was brought up on a croft so have had an interest in agriculture from an early age. I fancied doing a more varied form of mechanics, which this job has given me. It’s really satisfying when I discover what the fault is and then repair the machine. After my apprenticeship I hope to continue working at Robertsons of Tain to further my skills."

Shaun, aged 17 from Urquhart, Elgin, said: “The agriculture apprenticeship has given me the skills to be a good communicator and given me the confidence to take on every task that I am given. Recently I was nominated by my local Ploughing Association to receive a scholarship for the Grampian area.