SRUC student wins top prize at Scotland’s land-based skills awards
An SRUC equine science student has taken the top honour at this year’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS), with nine SRUC students and apprentices recognised as winners across the national awards.
Summer Edmond, who studies equine science at SRUC’s Oatridge campus, was named the overall ALBAS winner, the highest accolade of the night celebrating excellence in Scotland’s rural and environmental sectors.
Summer said: "I'm totally shocked. I didn't think that just doing my job and studying what I love could lead to something like this – it's amazing."
Among the other winners was Danielle Newlands from Elgin, who was named Land-based Learner of the Year after completing an SVQ in Land-based Engineering (Agriculture) through SRUC’s Oatridge campus while working as an apprentice land-based engineer with Ravenhill.
In the Land-based Engineering Learner of the Year category, Danielle was joined by runners-up Liam Clive and Jack Ritchie, both from Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. Liam and Jack completed SVQs in Land-based Engineering for Forestry through SRUC’s Oatridge campus while working as apprentice mechanics with Forestry and Land Scotland.
Luke Barclay from Keith won the Pre-apprenticeship Award for Agriculture, recognising his work through the land-based pre-apprenticeship programme delivered by Ringlink and SRUC Aberdeen campus.
The Research Project Award went to Rochelle Kennedy of Inverurie, whose SRUC postgraduate research explored the impacts of mixed farming systems on nocturnal invertebrates and bats.
Fiona Basford from Stonehaven received the HND Higher Education Award in recognition of her studies in wildlife and conservation management. Fiona recently completed her HND in Wildlife and Conservation Management at SRUC Aberdeen campus.
In the equine category, Amelia Radford of Insch was named Equine Learner of the Year. Amelia is completing a Modern Apprenticeship in equine through SRUC Oatridge while working as an apprentice stablehand at Strathorn Farm Stables in Pitcaple, Inverurie.
In the Horticulture Learner of the Year category, Sarah Forbes from Stirling was recognised for completing an SVQ in Horticulture through SRUC Oatridge while working as a gardener with Historic Environment Scotland.
Kristie King from Cupar, Fife won Veterinary Nursing Learner of the Year after completing the Lantra Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal) through SRUC Oatridge while working as a student veterinary nurse with Wilson and Partners in Cupar.
The HNC Level Winner of the Year award went to Sparrow George-Buck from Livingston, West Lothian, who is studying HNC Equine Studies at SRUC Oatridge.
The nine winners were among 12 SRUC students and apprentices who were shortlisted as finalists, selected from 26 of Scotland’s top rural trainees and learners.
The awards, organised by Lantra Scotland, recognise outstanding talent across the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries and highlight the importance of skills development in the sector.
SRUC Vice Principal Mary Thomson said: "Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at this year’s awards. Being recognised at this level is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication, skill and passion they are bringing to their chosen industries as they begin their land-based careers."
The awards ceremony took place on Thursday 5 March at Crieff Hydro Hotel.
Posted by SRUC on 06/03/2026
