A GHA horticultural apprentice has scooped a top national award.

Carly McNeill, 18, was named Horticultural Student of the Year by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.

She was presented with her award, known as The Carter Patterson Memorial Medal, by Jim McColl from BBC’s The Beechgrove Garden.

Carly, 18, from Penilee, is employed by GHA but being trained by Glasgow City Council as part of its Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative.


She was recognised by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society for her high standard of work and her willingness to learn.

Carly said: "I’m very happy with the award and I’m grateful to the city council and GHA for putting me forward.

"I’m doing well in my training and enjoying the job. I really like being involved with the public. It’s a good feeling when you see the end result of a job."

Jim McColl, Honorary President of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, presented Carly with her award in Edinburgh Botanic Gardens.

Carly, who was a finalist in the Lantra Horticulture Apprentice of the Year 2011, is two years into her three-year apprenticeship and is currently working towards an SVQ3 in Parks, Gardens and Greenspace.

(GK)