Students gathered for the annual awards ceremony at the Barony Campus of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) were told to “hold on to their dreams” in their chosen career paths.
Guest speaker Katy Cropper, one of Britain’s most successful sheepdog handlers and the first woman to win One Man and His Dog, congratulated the students on their successes, and before handing out the certificates and prizes gave an insight into her career choices.
From being dyslexic and not very academic, Katy found her studies very challenging and not at all easy. She attended an all girls school in North Wales but from a young age she felt she had an affinity with animals, and just wanted to work with them.
Katy said: “When I was 20 years of age I saw my first sheepdog trail, and realised that this was what I wanted to do. I persuaded a farmer in North Wales to give me a shepherding job. I was so determined, and when I got my first sheepdog, I attempted my first sheepdog trial, which ended up being a disaster. But I didn’t let setbacks stop me.”
It was a dog called Trim that Katy started her major successes with. Katy said: “Trim was an incredible dog, and we had such a bond. I was invited to go on One Man and His Dog and it was amazing to win it. I won lots of trials after that. I competed for England three times, and now have my own business training sheepdogs. I believe if you have a passion and you want to do it, don’t let anyone stop you, follow your dreams and hold onto those dreams”.
The gathering of students, proud families and friends had been welcomed by Alistair Marshall, Vice Chair of the SRUC Board. Professor Dave Roberts, Regional Dean outlined recent events at SRUC and its commitment to the regional delivery of services.
Julie Parker, Senior Tutor, reviewed a highly successful and active year by students and staff at the campus. She told students: “Congratulations on your academic success which will hold you in good stead in the competitive employment market and progression to higher education if that is your chosen career path. We also celebrate and highly regard the life skills you have developed whilst studying with us, which are highly valued and sought by employers.”
Over thirty prizes were awarded to students who made particular accomplishments, progress or contribution to their course with prize winners nominated by tutors from each department of Barony Campus.
The award winners were:
Carrs Billington Award – Most improved student in Agriculture – Callum Clark
Novartis Award – Best practical student in Agriculture – Nathan Paterson
Kilco International Dairy Trophy – Best dairy student – Andrew McMillan
Alisdair Clark Memorial Award – Best stockperson – Nathan Paterson
Robbie Weir Memorial Quaich – Contribution to college life – Nathan Paterson
Ishbel Cup & College Quaich – Top student in Agriculture – Ross Weir
Richard Keenan Cup – Top student in HNC Agriculture – Craig Fleming
Watson Prize – Best practical Animal Care student – Emma Scott
Animal Care Shield & College Quaich – Top student in Animal Care – Emilymae Cousins
Bard Cup – Best practical Animal Nursing Assistant student – Danielle McKay
Bard Award & College Quaich – Top Animal Nursing Assistant student – Karis Burcham
Scottish Oils Shield – Top NC Land-based Engineering: An Introduction student – Sander Smeets
CLAAS Prize – NC Engineering – The student contributing most to the course –Craig Marshall
Terry O’Neill Trophy – Most promising Engineering trainee – Stuart Hamilton
BAGMA Shield & College Quaich – Top student in Engineering – Cameron Howie
Robert Beamish Memorial Shield – The student who put the most in to the Certificate in Forestry course – Cameron McLean
Handtool Tom Award – The student who works best with handtools – Shaun McGranaghan
Crown Estates Cup – The best chainsaw student – Reuben Ellicot
Forestry Contracting Association Prize – Hardest working practical student – Euan Hamilton
Yerburgh Trophy & College Quaich – Top student in Forestry – Stuart Elliot
Developing the Young Workforce Forestry Student of the Year Award – Gregor Hamblin
Rural Skills Quaich – The student who contributed most to the course – Cameron Martin
Barony Campus Inspiration Award – David Walker
Barony Campus Sports & Social Club Award – Heather Shankland
Developing the Young Workforce/Chamber of Commerce SRUC Entrepreneur Aspire Award – Jenny Forsyth and Ashleigh White
SQA Campus Award – Juliet Kelly
SRUCSA Awards – Staff Member of the Year – Rhonda Graham; Most Active Student – Lindsay Cairnie; SRUCA Stars Level 5 – Rachael Wield
The DG Dairy Work Placement Awards – Shonagh Milven and Sandy Ferguson
The Sir Stephen Watson Prize – Ainsley Bagnall
The ceremony was closed by a vote of thanks by Adam Wardrop, Programme Leader for Agriculture.
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