YOUNG farmers from Scotland’s islands are being offered support to attend a major international agritourism conference in Aberdeen this summer.
CalMac has announced a scholarship programme which will allow 10 young islanders to take part in the Global Agritourism Conference in June.
The opportunity is open to young farmers, or young people under the age of 35, with a strong interest in agritourism, agriculture or tourism.
Successful applicants will represent island communities served by CalMac, with organisers hoping for as wide a spread of islands as possible.
The scholarship package includes a three-day conference ticket, incorporating a day of behind-the-scenes farm and business tours at leading agritourism and farm retail businesses in the north east of Scotland.
It also includes attendance at the international gala dinner, two nights’ accommodation in Aberdeen and ferry travel to the mainland.
Diane Burke, chief operating officer at CalMac, said agriculture remained central to island life.
She said: “Agriculture is part of the economic and social fabric of life in the island communities CalMac serves.
“We’re delighted to launch this scholarship and give ten young islanders the opportunity to attend the Global Agritourism Conference and gain knowledge and insight that will help them progress their own careers and, by extension, have a positive impact on the islands they call home.”
Caroline Millar, sector lead for Scottish Agritourism, said the event coming to Scotland presented a valuable opportunity for young people to learn from farmers and agritourism leaders from around the world.
She said: “This welcome support from CalMac will allow ten young island-based farmers to build their networks, knowledge and confidence.
“We expect they will leave the three-day event with insights and data which will significantly benefit their own careers, family farms and their island communities long after the conference ends.
“We hope to see a diverse spread with representation from as many islands as possible.”
Applications are now open through the Scottish Agritourism website.
The closing date is today. A subcommittee from the Scottish Agritourism Board will select the scholarship recipients, with priority given to young people who have not previously received a scholarship to attend the Scottish Agritourism Conference.
