Second year North Highland College carpentry & joinery student, Jimmy Manson, won first prize in this year's Scottish Association of Timber Trades Teachers (SATTT) competition run in conjunction with the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The North Highland College selected Jimmy's Gallows Bracket from a total of twenty others, to be judged at Dunkeld in June, alongside competitors' models from colleges all over Scotland.

Jimmy, from Gills, works with Wick based Joinery Contractor D B Smith. He was presented with a cheque for £100 at the Athol Arms Hotel in Dunkeld on Saturday 16th September.

Jimmy has been attending The North Highland College on a block release basis for the past two years, studying both the theory and practical sides of the trade. He has just passed an SVQ 3 Carpentry & Joinery. Sean Bremner, Carpentry & Joinery lecturer said "the Board of Management and the Construction Section staff at The North Highland College are very proud of Jimmy's achievement, he has produced a high standard of work throughout his training and we wish him well in his future in the construction industry."

The Scotland-wide competition is open to all Scottish Colleges who train SVQ level students. SATTT was established twenty five years ago primarily to lay the foundations for consistent course provision and teaching methods for colleges across Scotland. The first competition was judged in 1984. It provides an excellent opportunity to foster inter-college relationships and to promote the skills of young people.

The North Highland College have had a run of successes in this competition. Last year, NHC student Thomas Forbes who works for Kenny McRae & Sons in Durness, won the competition. Second prize this year went to Orkney College and Aberdeen College took third.