Group’s commitment to conservation is recognised by John Muir Trust

Jun 10 2008

SIXTEEN Perth College students and one lecturer have received John Muir Awards for conservation work carried out on Handa Island, a bird reserve on the north-west coast of Scotland.

During their residential stay on the island, the HNC/HND countryside management students carried out a beach clean-up,

During the Scottish Wildlife Trust exercise, the group removed half a ton of shipping and other waste from the shore, hauled 10 boatloads of timber from the beach for future projects and renovated a bothy they were staying in.

After making multi-media presentations on their experiences, the students received their awards from Rebecca Logsdon, of the John Muir Trust.

“In completing a Discovery Award, the students are celebrating their own journey of experiencing wild places and the John Muir Trust is delighted to recognise their commitment.” said Ms Logsdon.

“Special mention should be given to Andy Gallagher on achieving a Conserver Award, the highest level of the John Muir Award for his continued championing of the award in the Perth area.”

Lecturer Andy Gallagher said: “Throughout the week, the enthusiasm and commitment of the students were exemplary and thanks are due to those who helped make the venture possible.

“Most of our students will now progress onto a countryside management degree course or employment in national parks, such as a countryside ranger or biodiversity officer.”

John Muir Discovery Awards were presented to: Anna Christie, Pauline Corbett, Markus Richter, Andrew McKeand, Craig Rothney, Rory Foster, Jacqueline Swan, Kerry Todhunter, Angela Ferns, Russell Brown, Kayti Aitken, Donna Mathieson, Janette Harris, Shona McAllister, John Ford and Roddy Davidson.