A TEENAGE agriculture trainee has been short-listed as one of the top trainees and rural learners in Scotland and is up for a prestigious award.

Amy Lochhead, of North Berwick’s Lime Grove, is through to the final of Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS), having been nominated by her college tutor.

The 18-year-old, who runs a Facebook page called ‘Celtic Shepherdess’, has been completing a modern apprenticeship level three in agriculture at Carcant Farm near Heriot through Borders College.

The apprentice shepherdess has previously worked at NB Dogs dog boutique in Gullane.

The former North Berwick High School pupil said: “Although brought up in a seaside town, it still felt far away from the rural life that I craved.

“Since I was young, I’ve had an affinity for all animals and had a need to care for them.”

She said she was not expecting to get this far and called getting through to the final “one massive bonus”.

Amy Lochhead

Amy Lochhead

She added a thank you to Julie Hill at Neth Hill Border Collies, her employer and tutor through her apprenticeship, and her parents for their support and encouragement

Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries. Its ALBAS awards celebrate the achievements of Scotland’s rural learners.

The winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony that will be broadcast on social media at 7pm on March 4.

Liz Barron-Majerik, director of Lantra Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to announce this year’s ALBAS finalists. As well as showcasing the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector, they also promote qualifications and skills development across our sector.

“It’s important to remember that everyone who was nominated, whether they have become finalists or not, should be very proud of this recognition.”