A young Thurso man has become the first person in the Highlands, and only the second in Scotland, to achieve a Modern Apprenticeship in Craft Bakery.
Colin Gauld, who has been employed by Reid's Bakery at Riverside Place in Thurso since 1999, was presented with a certificate in recognition of his achievement at a ceremony in the Pentland Hotel today (Friday 28 March).
Now recognised as a fully qualified craft baker, Colin's working day finishes at 6am, long before most people are thinking about getting up, and involves producing a tempting range of bakery products, including cakes, doughnuts, bread rolls and pastries.
In addition to the training he received from his employer, Colin also had the support and assessment services of Graham Shewan of the Scottish Association of Master Bakers (SAMB). SAMB, as the industry lead body, is responsible for ensuring all candidates meet the standards set for the qualification.
Funding for Colin's Modern Apprentice training was supplied by Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE). Anne Sutherland, head of skills development at CASE said: "One of the attractions of Modern Apprenticeships is the ability of the individual to earn the going rate for the job while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen career.
"Colin's achievement is to be congratulated and is an example to others of how it is possible to develop a career and gain recognition for your skills."
