The key contribution made by young people to Scotland’s rural economy and communities was highlighted on Wednesday 3rd October at a reception in the Scottish Parliament attended by Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton.
The event celebrated the work that Lantra’s Industry Champions are doing to inspire the next generation of learners in the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation sector, and to highlight opportunities and challenges which have been identified by the Rural Youth Project.
Rachael Hamilton MSP met Matthew Douglas, who did a Modern Apprenticeship in Mixed Farming Level 3 as a general farm worker for WS Davies and Sons near Hawick, supported by Borders College.
Matthew Douglas said “The training I received has brought me on a lot at work and helped me understand the wider range of knowledge needed to be a good farm worker. When I started I couldn’t do much more than just sit in the tractor and roll a field, but now have a skillset that I would never have thought possible. There’s a great career to be found in farming and if you put in the effort it can be very rewarding. I was proud to be one of the first people to become a Lantra Industry Champion. It’s been a great experience, as I’ve had the chance to meet all the other champions who have different jobs across Scotland. Finding out about their industries has given me a much better understanding of the land-based careers out there. I was asked to attend this year’s Royal Highland Show to promote careers in farming, and I’m looking forward to doing more of that kind of work for Lantra Scotland in the future.”
Kevin Patrick, Director of Lantra Scotland said “2018 was designated the Year of Young People by the Scottish Government, so we’re delighted to highlight with our partners some of the great work that’s taking place across rural Scotland by and for young people”.
The Parliamentary reception highlighted the importance of young people to the rural economy and the future of rural communities, giving them a platform to share their views with policy-makers. The organisations involved also discussed what they would do next to support young people in building their lives, skills and businesses over the coming years.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“In this year celebrating the achievements and contributions of Young People, it was fantastic to hear so many stories of success in our rural communities, especially in the Borders.
“Lantra’s Industry Champions are doing a fantastic job in inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in farming and rural based industries.
“It was great to learn of Matthew’s achievements, and I wish him, and all young Borderers, the best with the farming or rural-based careers”.