AN ELECTRICAL engineer from Girvan has been recognised for excelling in his craft.

Allan Houston was awarded the Ayr Guildry Apprentice of the Year Award after he impressed Ayrshire College by winning a skills competition when he was against competitors from across the west of Scotland.

The 35-year-old, employed by Nestlé UK, previously studied SVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation at the college.

Allan said: “It feels great to be named Apprentice of the Year. I worked hard and it’s obviously paying off.

"I volunteered to come to Ayrshire College for further training, and a big incentive behind the decision was that you need to be trained in electrics in order to go onto shifts.”

Ewan Granger, Curriculum Manager at Ayrshire College, added: “From day one Allan came in with the right attitude.

“He was extremely driven, always finished first and was always looking for additional material.

“His employers [Nestlé] want quality engineers and Allan being fully qualified in both mechanical and electrical - and showing he’s hitting high standards in both - means that he’s going to be a good employee for his company going forward.”