Cairngorm Mountain's first apprentice countryside ranger is on right track
Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL) is investing in environmental conservation with its first-ever recruitment of an apprentice countryside ranger.
Partly funded by Rural Skills Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), 17-year-old Aviemore local Matthew Boyd is undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills.
The 15-month course focuses on environmental conservation and estate management through a combination of hands-on activity and online study.
Since August, Matthew has already supported Ruari MacDonald, Senior Ranger at CMSL, and the ranger team across a range of important tasks from surface maintenance and clearing path drains, to signage renewal, painting ski patrol poles and operating the ranger base.
Matthew said: “I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors so when my mum came across an advert for this apprenticeship, I knew it would be a perfect fit.
"It’s really rewarding to contribute to CMSL’s mission to protect and restore the local environment while learning new skills, from restoring paths and peatland to organising guided walks.
"I’m excited for the rest of my apprenticeship with CMSL and continuing to explore this beautiful area.”
Mr MacDonald said: “Less than five months into the apprenticeship, Matthew has made incredible progress.
"He is keen to learn and get stuck in, becoming a pivotal member of our ranger service.
“As the first apprenticeship within CMSL’s ranger service, this is an important step in our organisation’s redevelopment programme.
"Not only does the programme enable us to continue to protect and respect the local environment but it also contributes to our business hub that provides job opportunities for people in the local area.
"We look forward to continuing to support Matthew and other young people to get involved in the future of Cairngorm Mountain.”
The rangers oversee the protection of the Cairngorm Mountain site and offer insights on its unique nature to visitors.
