HISTORIC Environment Scotland (HES) has celebrated the success of its apprentices, trainees and craft fellows at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony.
The charity and heritage body hosted the Celebrating Success event at the Engine Shed, HES’s dedicated building conservation centre in Stirling. For the first time, the event included the presentation of awards to individuals across the organisation, recognising their contributions to the conservation and advancement of Scotland’s historic environment.
From 2023 to 2024, HES has doubled the number of apprenticeship positions to help build a sustainable future for heritage skills in Scotland.
Lindsey Ross, people director at HES, said, “At HES, skills development and training are fundamental to everything we do. We also recognise how important skills in the heritage sector are to creating a fairer, greener Scotland.
“Our focus on nurturing talent at various levels through our apprenticeships, trainee and craft fellow programmes ensures that we are continually renewing and enhancing the expertise that is vital to protecting Scotland’s heritage, as well as transforming the lives of those who take part. By fostering both traditional and modern skills, we help build a workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the heritage sector and create meaningful career paths for individuals in our sector and beyond.”
Awards were presented to the Apprentice of the Year, Trade Apprentice of the Year, Non Trade Apprentice of the Year, Craft Fellow of the Year, Trainee of the Year, and Skills Experience Ambassador.
The ceremony highlighted the role of young people in sustaining and growing Scotland’s heritage industry.
Colin Tennant, head of technical conservation, said, “This ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our apprentices, trainees, and craft fellows. Their enthusiasm and commitment help safeguard traditional skills and bring fresh energy and innovative approaches to our industry. Scotland’s heritage is a valuable asset, contributing to our economy, to local communities and supply chains, and is a vital resource to tell us about our past and how to shape a bright future. We are proud to invest in and support these talented individuals, ensuring that the skills to preserve Scotland’s historic environment are passed on to a new generation.”
Historic Environment Scotland Celebrating Success 2024 Winners
Apprentice of the Year: Alex Watts, Apprentice Gardener
Non Trade Apprentice of the Year: Emma Anderson, Collections Management Apprentice
Trade Apprentice of the Year: Karen Gangel, Apprentice Stonemason
Craft Fellow of the Year: Murray Holmes, Blacksmithing Craft Fellow
Trainee of the Year: Yueqian Wang, Digital Innovation Trainee
Skills Experience Ambassador: Paul Walsh, Apprentice Stonemason
