In less than two years, he has progressed from being a seasonal worker at Merryhatton to become a lead member of the plant team.
When he started working at Merryhatton in East Lothian, he was studying geology at university. He discovered a love of gardening that led to a change of career direction, including a switch to an honours degree in horticulture at Scottish Agricultural College (SAC).
Customer care and inspiring others are central to his role at Merryhatton. He uses his horticulture knowledge to help customers with all kids of gardening queries, even helping them plant their garden on occasion.
He has also given talks and developed grow-your-own workshops. He is continually developing his skills, including recently gaining a chainsaw licence.
With a team of students from SAC, he created an innovative show garden, which they took to the Chelsea Flower Show and Gardening Scotland 2012. He became one of the youngest winners at both events, winning a silver gilt in the artisan category at Chelsea and a gold and best in show at Edinburgh.
As well as working part-time at Merryhatton and studying at SAC, he has started a garden design course and is now setting up a garden design and consultancy business.
A just 21, his drive, ability to inspire and passion for horticulture make him a real star of the future.
Runners-up
Robert Marshall, Brigg Garden Centre
Jamie Walker, Scotsdales Garden Centre
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Inspiration and insight from travels around the horticultural world
