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SAC Degree Bears Fruit For Jill Brown

Craibstone-based SAC student Jill Brown has just been presented with the Land-Based Learner of the Year (Higher Education) at a ceremony in Crieff, organised by LANTRA, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector.

Jill received her award from LANTRA Chairman Dr. Gordon McGlone OBE, following an address by Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead.  He used the opportunity to stress the important role young people have to play in the future of the rural economy.

Jill, originally from Watten in Caithness, was one of 16 prize winners from across Scotland ranging in age from 15 to 29.  She is completing a four-year, Rural Business Management degree and is expected to graduate with honours.  Jill chose the food options on the course and is already putting her skills to good use.  She runs her own “Berry Good Vodka” business in New Deer, Aberdeenshire.  It introduces infusions of fruits such as strawberry and raspberry into the spirit.

Like many others, Jill began her SAC career on an HND course, but then decided to take on the challenge of a degree.

“I really enjoyed my HND course but wanted to focus more on the business management and utilise the administration skills that I had already gained,” said Jill.  “SAC has a good balance of academic studies and study trips to local businesses to show first hand how enterprises are developed and run.  Studying with SAC has been really fantastic as I’ve been able to manage my business around the timetable.  I am looking forward to graduating in July and working within the food and drink industry whilst continuing to allow Berry Good to grow.”

Jill has been able to implement management strategies to grow her own business.  She has developed a further 3 flavours which will be launched in stages over the next two years, starting with Blackcurrant Gin which will be ready for April 2010. 

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