Six pupils from S3 and S4 at Kingussie High School successfully completed the Lantra Tractor-Driving (13–15 years) course this week, strengthening their practical skills and boosting their confidence in pursuing careers within the land-based sector. The two-day course was organised by Countryside Learning Scotland’s Regional Coordinator (Cairngorms), Ellen Grant, working in partnership with DYW Inverness and Central Highlands School Coordinator for Kingussie High School and Grantown Grammar School, Debbie Khadi.

Balavil Estate generously hosted the training and provided one of the tractors, with a second kindly supplied by Robert Mackenzie of Lochbuie Croft and Cairngorm Alpacas. The course was delivered by Ringlink’s experienced instructors, who praised the pupils’ enthusiasm and commitment.

Ahead of the practical training, pupils completed a funding application workshop and Lantra’s Farm Safety online course. A further eight pupils from Grantown Grammar School have secured their funding and training is scheduled for 23–24 February 2026.

One pupil commented, 

“I’m really enjoying this. I could do this every day. This will be really useful for what I want to do when I’m older.”

Reflecting on the experience, Debbie Khadi said, 

“Despite the cold weather, the pupils were enthusiastic from start to finish. The instructors were genuinely impressed by how quickly they picked things up, and you could clearly see their confidence grow from the start of Day 1 to the end of Day 2.”

Eddie from Ringlink added, 

“They have done really well. They listened well during the classroom part of the first day and once they actually got outside and hands on, you can see that they’re producing a high standard.”