TWO forestry graduates are celebrating after picking up prestigious awards from Tilhill. 

Aberdeen University’s Paige Brown and Oliver Mackay, who studied at Harper Adams University, were honoured for their work during the course of the last year. 

Paige was presented with the gong for ‘Outstanding Performance’, while Oliver was named the firm’s ‘Top Student’. Both were given their awards and £250 prize money at recent ceremonies. 

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Paying tribute to programme Co-ordinator Dr Louise Page, Paige, who has joined Tilhill as an assistant forest manager, said: “Thank you to Dr Louise Page and the university who made a very difficult year as a student a good experience. 

“It’s great to now be able to apply the skills I have learnt during the course and develop them further in my new role with Tilhill as part of their graduate programme.”

As part of Tilhill’s work to strengthen links with future foresters, the company presents awards to top-performing students at universities offering degrees in forestry-related subjects across the UK.

Andrew Vaughan, North Scotland regional manager, presented Paige with her award and said: “It gave me great pleasure to present this award to Paige, who joined the company last year. It is very important we employ people of this calibre with the credentials gained from these courses.

“It is an exciting time to be starting a career in forestry, especially in the fight against climate change.” 

A final year student studying sustainable forestry and forestry products, Oliver spent his placement at Rothiemurchus, a beautiful estate in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands, and has subsequently secured a job as head ranger.

He said: “Many thanks for awarding this prize to me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have enjoyed as a student, and I am very happy in my role as a head ranger at Rothiemurchus. A special thank you to Tilhill for the prizes.”

David Edwards, Tilhill’s forestry director said: “It is fantastic that Tilhill is able to continue to award talented individuals studying for degrees in countryside and environmental management at Harper Adams. 

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“There has never been a more exciting time for graduates to be starting a career in forestry. The industry is, after all, a part of the solution to mitigate the impact of climate change. Congratulations to Oliver, I wish him every success for the future.” 

Applications for Tilhill’s 2022 graduate scheme are now open at www.tilhill.com.