FLS future foresters stand out at Lantra Scotland Awards for Land Based and Aquaculture skills
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) apprentices have shone at this year’s Lantra Scotland Awards for Land Based and Aquaculture skills.
Held during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, FLS had five of its Modern Apprentices in contention for awards and all five were recognised as either winners or runners-up in a variety of categories.
It was a clean sweep for FLS in the Trees and Timber category. Apprentice craftsperson Hannah Thomson, based in Oban, was announced as the winner while fellow FLS apprentice craftspeople Abi Skidgmore, who did her training in Durris, and Dan Needham, who was based at Torlundy were announced as runners-up in the same category.
Mechanical engineering apprentices Jack Ritchie and Liam Clive – both based at the FLS Bladnoch Workshop – were joint runners-up in the Land Based Engineering category.
Hannah said:
"I feel very privileged to be given an award for my dedication and love for forestry, alongside my two colleagues. I have always wanted to pursue a career working with trees and the apprenticeship has given me the foundation and skills to play an important role in protecting and sustainably managing Scotland’s forests for future generations.
"I hope to continue my career within FLS. I will continue to branch out and build my knowledge to enhance my woodland management and bring unique outlooks to the work I do in forest stewardship and helping timber production."
Abi said:
“During my apprenticeship, I valued the chance to work in an outdoor environment while developing a wide range of practical and technical skills. I found outdoor, hands-on learning both engaging and deeply fulfilling.
“As a young woman in a traditionally male‑dominated industry, I take pride in the role I do. Stepping onto a worksite and operating machinery is not only personally fulfilling, but also an opportunity to demonstrate to other young females they too can have a career in forestry.”
Apprenticeships continue to be a cornerstone of FLS’ success with young people from a wide range of backgrounds building rewarding careers in forestry.
Dan said after trying a few unfulfilling jobs the apprenticeship with FLS had put him on the right track.
“It’s given me a chance to learn the skill sets needed for a role in forestry, and I feel a real pride in being able to help grow, protect utilise a natural resource on behalf of, and for the benefit of the public.
“I was particularly excited to work at FLS, as I am very much behind the idea of the forests belonging to the people of Scotland, and being utilised for the benefit of everyone. That may be growing and processing sustainable commercial timber, the creation of woodland for recreation and the goal of increasing biodiversity by reestablishing peatlands and native woodlands.”
The nominations are a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the young trainee foresters as well as the efforts of the staff guiding them through their apprenticeships.
Liam said:
“The apprenticeship has allowed me to work on a wide variety of different machinery. My training has involved servicing harvesters, forwarders, grass cutters, fleet vehicles and chainsaws.
“All through my time as an apprentice, I have received such great support from senior staff. They are always there to answer any questions and guide us. I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship to consider forestry as an industry to get in to.”
While Jack said he was inspired by a family connection to the trade.
"My interest began by watching my dad work in the industry, seeing machines and vehicles being repaired."
FLS Learning and Development Manager Kirsty Russell said:
“At FLS we are incredibly proud of all our apprentices who make a significant contribution to the work we do. They show great dedication and benefit from the knowledge passed on by the staff guiding them through their apprenticeships.
“Forestry is a key rural industry which contributes around £1 billion annually to our economy while supporting biodiversity and helping to tackle climate change. So, it is important for us to be providing career opportunities to the next generation of foresters and related staff through our national forestry and land agency.”
Background
Forestry and Land Scotland ALBAS 2026 finalists:
- Hannah Thomson from Oban did a Modern Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber through the Scottish School of Forestry at UHI Inverness while employed as a Craftsperson Modern Apprentice with Forestry and Land Scotland
- Abi Skidgmore from Auchleven, Aberdeenshire, completed an SVQ in Trees and Timber through the Scottish School of Forestry at UHI Inverness, while working as an Apprentice Craftsperson with Forestry and Land Scotland
- Daniel Needham from Fort William did an SVQ in Trees and Timber through the Scottish School of Forestry at UHI Inverness while working as Apprentice Craftsperson with Forestry and Land Scotland
- Jack Ritchie from Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway has been doing an SVQ in Land Based Engineering for Forestry through SRUC Oatridge Campus while working as an Apprentice Mechanic with Forestry and Land Scotland
- Liam Clive from Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway has been doing an SVQ in Land Based Engineering for Forestry through SRUC Oatridge while working as an Apprentice Mechanic for Forestry and Land Scotland
Notes to Editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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