MINISTERS SHOW SUPPORT FOR LANTRA

Several ministers and politicians visited Lantra Sector Skill Council’s stand at the Royal Highland Show to learn about Lantra’s work and see how it benefits the environmental and land-based sector.

Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP met with land managers, farmers and foresters to discuss climate change and the benefits of a low carbon economy. The Minister outlined the Scottish Government’s ambitious environmental targets and emphasised how people working on the land will help achieve these targets. She praised Lantra for spreading the ‘low carbon’ message through its work and programmes. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell and Maureen Watt MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee visited Lantra’s stand and learned about Modern Apprenticeships, the Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, Lantra’s One Stop Shop, the Rural Business Women project and the low carbon initiative. John Scott MSP, Deputy Convener of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee and Conservative Leader, Annabel Goldie MSP and Jamie McGrigor MSP stopped at Lantra’s stand to discuss Lantra’s recent activities, particularly the Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture. Annabel Goldie stated: “I am delighted to see a new Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture. I feel that offering a higher level of industry based learning will encourage more people into farming and associated trades, and is to be welcomed.” National Director for Scotland, Willie Fergusson said: “Lantra has something to offer everyone in the land-based and environmental sector, and because of this we have built up good relationships with the ministerial parties. Through discussions with ministers and politicians we can raise awareness of the work Lantra undertakes and outline the issues that will benefit the sector, issues such as all age Modern Apprenticeships and funding for bite sized learning.” If you would like to find out more about Lantra’s work please call 01738 553311 or email Lantra.scotland@lantra.co.uk. ENDS ISSUED BY: For further information please contact the Lantra Press Office – Paula Smyth, Marketing, Communications and Project Co-ordinator, Tel: 028 7963 1304 or Email ni.media@lantra.co.uk. CREDIT FOR PHOTO: (l-r) Roseanna Cunningham, John Gillan, Rebecca Audsley and Willie Fergusson (Lantra) EDITOR’S NOTES: • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, is licensed by the UK Government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscape, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk

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