An apprentice stonemason from Edinburgh College has been named one of the country’s most talented apprentices at SkillBuild, a national construction competition organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Dan MacAulay, 23 from Edinburgh, beat off stiff competition from around the country to take first place in the Stonemasonry category finals. He is employed by environmental engineering company, Land Engineering.

Speaking about Dan’s win, Stuart Dillett, managing director at Land Engineering said: “Dan is a superb example of the results that can be achieved when private businesses and colleges collaborate with the sole focus of developing skills in traditional trades.

“We are immensely proud of Dan’s achievements and are privileged to have him as part of our team.”

The silver and bronze medals in the stonemasonry category were also won by Scottish competitors. Calum McKimmon, from Fife, took second place, and Ross Kennedy, from Orkney, and Craig Derrick, also from Fife, were awarded joint third - a fantastic result for all three competitors, who are carrying out their apprenticeships with Historic Environment Scotland.

Other Scottish apprentices to pick up a prize were Stuart Queen, from East Ayrshire, who came third in the joinery category while Jordan Charters, from South Lanarkshire, picked up third prize in the painting and decorating category.

Hugh McCafferty, CITB’s regional delivery manager for Scotland, said: “SkillBuild 2015 showcased the immense talent coming into the construction sector.

“SkillBuild is all about future talent and it provides a platform for those starting out in their career to demonstrate their skill, creativity and drive. The standard that’s been shown by the competitors over the weekend at the national finals was hugely impressive.

“It’s a great time to be in construction, as the industry continues to see impressive growth. There’s a wide range of rewarding careers on offer for both new workers and those returning to the sector.”

Held at the Skills Show between 19th – 21st November, the SkillBuild 2015 final saw over 70 competitors, selected across 13 regional heats, travel to Birmingham’s NEC Arena to battle it out to be named the best in their chosen trade.

Skills such as bricklaying, wall and floor tiling, and plastering were all put to the test.