Our ALBAS celebrate the achievements of individuals, organisations and partnerships across our sector, so we would be delighted if you were to put in a nomination, either for yourself, or someone else.
Secondary Schools nominations must be in by Monday 27 October, with entries for all other categories closing on Friday 28 November.
Once our panel of independent judges have looked at all the entries, they will interview the short-listed nominees. Then on Thursday 5 March 2026, we announce the winners at our high profile awards ceremony.
What the independent judges are looking for
To improve your chances of success in our awards, please answer all the questions in our form carefully, using examples where possible. Judges look carefully at the reference from your nominator and will want to see evidence that you have: a passion for learning and for your job; an understanding of your industry; the potential to share your enthusiasm with others and the motivation to continue learning throughout your career. You may also have experienced the benefits of learning at work. If you are invited for an interview then the judges will want to talk about some of your written answers in more detail.
Categories available
Industry awards
You should have been studying or have completed a relevant course, which could include: a College Certificate, National Certificate (NC), SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification), Pre-Apprenticeship, Modern Apprenticeship, other recognised apprenticeship, Extended Diploma or other advanced certificate between September 2024 and September 2025.
Nominations can come from any part of our sector, which covers: agriculture (including Pre-Apprenticeships), animal care, aquaculture, equine, fisheries management, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, trees and timber or vet nursing.
Nominate someone else for an industry award here. If you are applying for yourself, enter here.
Finalists in industry categories can also go on to become the Overall Winner; Overall Runner-up or Apprentice of the Year.
Higher Education Award
To be eligible you should have been studying or have completed a relevant HND, higher level SVQ or Apprenticeship at level 7 or above, a Degree, a Masters or a Doctorate at a Scottish institution between September 2024 and September 2025.
Nominate someone else for a Higher Education Award here. If you are applying for yourself, enter here.
School Pupil Award
To be eligible you must have been studying at a Scottish school between June 2024 and June 2025, on a Skills for Work (Rural Skills) course or an NPA in: Angling and the Aquatic Environment; Aquaculture; Beekeeping; Crofting; Horse Care; Horticulture or Rural Skills.
Apply for a school pupil award here.
Partnership Working
The Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working is open to two or more organisations which have been working together on a specific project that relates to training or education in our sector at any point between September 2024 and September 2025.
Apply for a Partnership Working Award here.
Secondary Schools Award
We are looking for schools which have been involved in projects such as: a school garden or vegetable plot; a biodiversity project or a community woodland; delivering rural skills as part of the curriculum or with a local farmer or crofter. The activity should have been running at some point between September 2024 and September 2025.
Apply for a Secondary Schools Award here.
Carstairs Mentoring Award
We welcome nominations for mentors who have been involved in supporting learners at any level, in any of our industries. The mentoring should have taken place at some point between September 2024 and September 2025. Just tell us what the mentor has done to support learners, explaining why you think they deserve to win an award.
Nominate someone for a Mentor Award here.
Research Project
We welcome entries from lecturers and supervisors, on behalf of those undertaking land, water and nature based research projects as part of their programme, in Scotland between September 2024 and September 2025. Please refer to that project on the entry form.
Nominate someone for a Research Project here.
Awards which are individually selected by judges
- Tam Tod Trophy (outstanding young learner), in association with Countryside Learning Scotland, commemorating the late Tam Tod, a gamekeeper, ghillie and lifelong friend of the countryside.
Any questions?
Please complete your online nomination forms and attach photographs by deadlines on the forms. If you have any questions, email scotland@lantra.co.uk or call 01738 310160.