Winning trio are future of agriculture

YOUNGSTERS from Dumfries and Galloway scooped multiple wins at the ALBAS 2026. There were four local winners at the awards, held last week. The School Pupil prize went to Wallace Hall student Iona McVey, above, who has been doing an NPA Rural Skills - agriculture. She said: “It’s a great feeling to win the School Pupil Award, I’m so happy with what I’ve achieved. Thanks to my parents for their support and my teachers at Wallace Hall Academy. It’s been a fantastic night.” Meanwhile, Wallace Hall Academy won the Secondary Schools Award for their Young Agri Leader programme which empowers pupils to lead a variety of agriculture-themed leadership tasks using a project-based approach. Aileen Marchant, a representative from the school said: “We are honoured to win this prestigious award, thank you to Lantra Scotland. It is a joy and an honour to work with these inspirational young people, empowering them to lead a variety of agriculture-themed leadership tasks, and be a part of their personal growth journey.” In addition, two apprentices from Newton Stewart were named joint runners-up for the land-based learner of the year prize. Jack Ritchie and Liam Clive are both doing an SVQ in land based engineering for forestry through SRUC Oatridge while working as apprentice mechanics for Forestry and Land Scotland at their Bladnoch workshop. Congratulating everyone, Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE, Scotland director of Lantra, said: “Everyone nominated should feel genuinely proud. The quality of entries keeps rising, which means the winners represent the very best in our sector. Their impact stretches far beyond their workplaces, as they support rural communities and help protect the environment we all depend on.”