A North Ayrshire councillor who was injured in a serious car accident has received national recognition for his achievements within the construction industry.

23-year-old Dylan Shankland from Kilmarnock is a Contract Performance Officer within North Ayrshire Council’s Building Services hub in Stevenston.

He won the Surveying category and was also announced as the winner of winners at the Duke of Gloucester Awards, March 19 at the Underglobe in London.

The Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers scheme recognises professionals under the age of 30 working in construction and the built environment.

Mr Shankland began working with the Council as an apprentice plasterer but a serious car accident meant he was unable to continue with any manual labour. He then took up a role in the Contract Performance team.

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During his three and a half years in the role he has completed an HNC in Quantity Surveying at the City of Glasgow College which led to him being offered a role as a Shadow Contract Performance Officer.

Mr Shankland is now studying for a degree in Quantity Surveying at Caledonian University in Glasgow.

He said: "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities, training and support which I have been provided with throughout my time at North Ayrshire Council. Without that support and encouragement I wouldn’t have found my passion for Quantity Surveying and have been able to pursue it in the way that I have."

Cabinet Member for Place, Councillor Tony Gurney said: "Dylan is a great asset to the Building Services team and serves as the perfect example of someone who has made the best out of a bad situation.

"I’m thrilled that his enthusiasm and dedication to the role has rightfully received national recognition. His drive has already seen him achieve so much in the short three years he has been with us – I look forward to seeing how far he progresses in the future."

(IT/MH)