Marc Millar was named Scottish Craft Apprentice of the Year during presentation of the HVACR Awards for Outstanding Achievement, in a ceremony held at Edinburgh Zoo.
Marc, who is employed by James Ramsay (Glasgow) Ltd and a student at North Glasgow College, received his trophy - the David Kettles Cup - from HVCA president Martin Burton.

In his address, Mr Burton praised those companies that had continued to train during 'the most challenging year our sector has known for decades'.

'I am well aware of the courage it takes for firms to continue to invest in vocational education at a time when business is increasingly difficult to come by, and margins so tight on the jobs we do manage to win,' the president added.

'I therefore take this opportunity, to offer my sincere congratulations not only to today's winners, but also to the employers who are providing them with a worthwhile, satisfying and rewarding career - one that will stand them in good stead throughout their working lives.'

HVCA Scotland members had always taken seriously their obligations in this regard - and Mr Burton was pleased that they were still doing so, 'even in the face of economic adversity'.

The full roll call of winners and runners-up was as follows.

Pipe Fitter Welder Apprentice of the Year: Marc Millar, James Ramsay Glasgow. Runner-up: Mark Manson, Crown House Technologies.

Pipe Fitter Apprentice of the Year: Darryl Burnside, South Lanarkshire Council. Runner-up: Murray Wallace, Vaughan Engineering Services.

Service and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year: Paul Whelan, Pump Action. Runner-up: Craig Lewis, Mitton Mechanical Services.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprentice of the Year: Mark McColl, Fisher Group. Runner-up: Allan McKendrick, IMK Refrigeration.

Ductwork Apprentice of the Year: Anthony Crilley, Galloway Group. Runner-up: Frazer Henderson, Galloway Group.

Building Services Technician of the Year: Sean Coleman, Rotary Group. Runner-up: Dale Murray, RSP Consulting Engineers.

The Scottish HVACR Awards for Outstanding Achievement are organised by HVCA subsidiary Building Engineering Services Training (BEST) Scotland, under the management of Anne Galbraith.