Cathedral mason is GB apprentice of the year

An Orkney stonemason has earned the twin titles of Scottish and GB Apprentice of the Year for her work at St Magnus Cathedral.

Sophie Turner, aged 25, was presented  with the top prize at the 2016 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Apprentice Awards ceremony, in London’s Merchant Taylors’ Hall, yesterday.

Ms Turner completed her apprenticeship in stonemasonry earlier this year and has been the mason at the cathedral, in Kirkwall, since the retirement of Colin Watson this summer.

The CITB Apprentice Awards celebrate the achievements of CITB apprentices, and their employers across the UK.

Sophie said: “I’m delighted. A bit in shock. I can’t believe I’ve won. Being nominated was exciting, but this is brilliant!  I’m really excited for a long-term career in construction, my apprenticeship has really helped set me up for the future. It’s funny to think that playing with Lego as a little girl has led me into stonemasonry!”

“I’d encourage anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship to give it a go. I would like to thank everyone at CITB, Orkney Islands Council and Saint Magnus Cathedral for all they have done for me.”