Lantra Scotland’s prestigious Aquaculture Awards have revealed the five finalists vying for recognition at this year’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS). These individuals, ranging from those in modern apprenticeships to doctoral students, are celebrated for their dedication to aquaculture and land-based skills. The ALBAS ceremony is set to take place at Crieff Hydro Hotel on March 6, 2025, bringing together leaders in the field to acknowledge outstanding achievements in the sector.
A Diverse Group of Finalists with Passion for Aquaculture
The five shortlisted candidates represent a variety of backgrounds and expertise, all tied together by a common passion for the sea and sustainable aquaculture practices. This year’s finalists bring with them a wealth of experience, from hands-on fish husbandry roles to research that supports aquaculture’s growing importance.
Among the finalists, Lewis Henderson from the Isle of Gigha stands out. A Modern Apprenticeship student at UHI Shetland, Henderson works for Bakkafrost Scotland, a leader in sustainable fish farming. “Having lived on an island all my life, I have always had a deep passion for the sea and aquaculture,” Henderson explained. This personal connection with the sea has driven his growth in the industry, and his dedication to fish husbandry shines through his work.
Not far behind him is Derek Dunning from Lochgilphead, who is also pursuing a Modern Apprenticeship at UHI Shetland. Dunning is a fish husbandry worker at Kames Fish Farm, where he focuses on rainbow trout production. His journey into aquaculture was influenced by his love for the ocean, along with a rich background in spearfishing and volunteer work with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the South African counterpart to the RNLI.
Experience and Expertise in the Field
- Robaidh Halliday brings a wealth of practical knowledge as a site manager at Organic Sea Harvest in Portree. Based on the Isle of Skye, Halliday is completing his SVQ Level 9 in Aquaculture Management at UHI Shetland. Halliday’s career in aquaculture began after years spent working on fishing boats, giving him invaluable hands-on experience. The decision to enter fish farming came as a natural evolution of his career, allowing him to stay close to home while working at sea. “I instantly fell in love with fish farming and knew this was the job for me,” said Halliday, expressing his satisfaction with his career choice.
- Robert Stewart, based in Edinburgh, brings a different perspective to the table. As a PhD candidate at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Stewart is diving deep into the science behind aquaculture. His research supports the growing aquaculture sector, helping to enhance sustainability and improve food production systems both in the UK and globally. Stewart’s academic approach showcases the diverse range of talent the ALBAS aim to recognize.
- Mary Collins, another finalist, is also a Modern Apprenticeship student at UHI Shetland, working in fish husbandry at Bakkafrost Scotland. Originally from Glasgow, Collins’ journey into aquaculture was marked by initial challenges. She recalls being a complete novice in the field but credits the support from her first manager for her rapid progress. “I feel comfortable jumping into any task now, and I’m constantly improving my skills every day,” she said.
The Role of the ALBAS in Highlighting Industry Achievements
The ALBAS serve a critical function in the aquaculture and land-based industries, celebrating the accomplishments of individuals at various stages of their careers. Lantra Scotland’s director, Liz Barron-Majerik, emphasized how these awards not only highlight the skill and dedication of nominees but also showcase the broader benefits of skills development within aquaculture.
“Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS play an important role in the land-based and aquaculture sector,” Barron-Majerik said. “They highlight the fantastic achievements of skilled and dedicated staff at different levels of their careers, from new entrants to career changers.”
In 2025, the competition saw a record number of entries, a testament to the growing interest and importance of aquaculture skills in the UK. Barron-Majerik expressed her pride in the finalists, offering congratulations to all those nominated and wishing the finalists the best of luck as they prepare for the ceremony in March.
Looking Ahead to the ALBAS Ceremony
The anticipation for the ALBAS awards ceremony is palpable, with industry figures and employers rallying behind the finalists. The event will bring together stakeholders from across the aquaculture sector, all eager to recognize the vital contributions these skilled professionals make to the industry.
This year’s event promises to be a celebration not only of the finalists but of the industry as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing skills development and the collaborative efforts required to drive the aquaculture sector forward. As these finalists prepare to step into the spotlight at Crieff Hydro, they represent the future of sustainable aquaculture practices in Scotland and beyond.
