Ross-shire students make the grade with auctioneer group
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TWO Ross-shire students have been welcomed to the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS).
They were part of a group of six Scottish students who are in year three of the Livestock Market Operations and Management course at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.
Sam Ferguson and Aimie Bissett, both of Dingwall, were presented with their associate membership certificates by IAAS President Scott Donaldson.
The certificate in higher education they are working towards is seen as the professional standard for entry into the livestock auctioneering sector and it is also the route into membership of the institute once students have reached the third year of the course.
Mr Donaldson said: “I was delighted to welcome our new members. We’re extremely proud of the role the Institute plays in supporting our next generation of auction mart professionals to ensure they enjoy fulfilling and successful careers, doing jobs which are vital to the rural economy.
“It’s always a pleasure to visit Harper Adams. Our association with the tremendous team there ensures the highest standards of training to equip our industry with the skills to succeed.”
The other Scottish students included: Oliver Shearman, of Stirling (Caledonian Marts), Linzi Henderson of Lanark, Ellis Mutch from Inverurie and Gregor Hamilton, from Forfar.
The Livestock Market Operations and Management course is aimed at aspiring auctioneers, animal health officers and other qualifying persons. To be considered for the programme, students must be working in the industry and be supported by their employer.
Scottish students on the course are supported in their studies by grants from IAAS, which works hard to ensure that the next generation of auctioneers have the skills to ensure the industry is fit for the future.
The IAAS is the representative body for livestock markets, valuers and auctioneers across Scotland and it campaigns for the interests of those markets and the central role they play in the working of the rural and agricultural economy.
