NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR TOP YOUNG COUNTRY SPORTS PERSON 2012

Scotland’s most prestigious award for young country sports people, the Tam Tod Trophy, is now open for nominations.

The Tam Tod Trophy recognizes excellence in young country sports people, and is open to anyone under the age of 21 who actively engages in, and has shown improvements in their chosen country sport. Anyone may nominate, but we are actively seeking nominations from schools, organizations, colleges, friends, family and politicians of an aspiring gamekeeper, promising fisherman or woman, enthusiastic falconer, skilled dog handler, novice hunter or rider… or any other young countrysports participant.  

Last year, Scott McCall a trainee keeper from Hamilton, Lanarkshire, was presented with the award at the Scottish Game Fair, having been nominated by Elmwood College, where he was ‘a model student’. Scott was presented with the award after being chosen from a selection of trainee gamekeepers and countryside managers who were nominated by their college. In 2010 it was presented to 3 brothers in the same family - twins Neil and Allan (15) and younger brother David (13) were nominated by BASC Scotland, for their progress through the ranks of the organisation’s Young Shots programme. In 2009, the award was presented to Greg Sinclair through the Angling for Youth Development Scheme, based in Blairgowrie and Renfrewshire.

The Tam Tod Trophy was inaugurated in 2009 and was funded in memory of one of Scotland’s finest countrymen, the late Tam Tod, a gamekeeper, ghillie and lifelong friend of the countryside. The specially commissioned trophy was created by leading designer Robert MacFadzean of Fine Iron Design and is awarded annually to Scotland’s most improved young country sports person.

ANYONE may nominate a young country sports person by completing the attached nomination form, or by sending an email providing the details. The closing date for entries is November 31st 2012.

The 2012 winner will be invited to a presentation at Holyrood as part of the Scottish Countryside Alliance Awards in February 2013.

Ends

For nomination forms or more information, please contact Nicola Chalmers-Watson:

 Tel:                        01620850977

Email:                    info@scaet.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

1.       The Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust (SCAET) is a registered Scottish charity which was set up by the Scottish Countryside Alliance in 2003, in recognition that Scotland's population is becoming increasingly urbanised and removed from the countryside. In five years of activity, SCAET has become involved in a variety of projects which introduce young people to the countryside and country sports, promote training for rural employment, support rural communities through encouraging rural business and enterprise, and promoting the countryside as a place for work and leisure.

www.scaet.org.uk

2.       The Scottish Countryside Alliance (SCA) campaigns for the interests of rural communities and businesses in Scotland. It works in partnership with the Scottish Parliament and various relevant organisations to find balanced solutions to countryside issues ranging from the impact of fuel costs on businesses to the best methods for successful land management

www.scottishcountrysidealliance.org

3.       The Scottish Countryside Alliance Awards are a unique annual celebration of rural life, produce and communities. Nicknamed "The Rural Oscars" these awards are broad in scope, highly coveted and a great morale boost to those in the running.

The categories are as follows:

1.         Local Food Award

2.         Daily Telegraph Village Shop/ PO Award

3.         Enterprise Award

4.         Butcher

5.         Rural Start-up

The Scottish Countryside Alliance Awards final will be held in Holyrood on 5th February 2013, where all finalists will be invited to attend. The Scottish winners then go forward to the grand final, which will be held at the Houses of Parliament in early 2013, attended by supportive Parliamentarians and media. At this final, the overall Champions, one in each category, will be declared.

www.countrysideallianceawards.org.uk