Viridor's Katie Ferrie has been named as Scottish Young Recycler of the Year at the Scottish Government's Scottish Resources Awards.

A graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University, Ms. Ferrie is employed at the firm's Scottish HQ at EuroCentral, Lanarkshire as Scottish Strategic Sales Delivery Manager.  Ferrie, a product of the company's fast track graduate programme, joined Viridor following the successful conclusion of a business placement with Viridor and North Lanarkshire Council whilst at university.

Katie (24), beat off stiff competition from young recycling, resources and waste managers from across Scotland's public and private sectors to achieve the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Scotland's green economy.

Ms. Ferrie said:

"Having studied Environmental Management and Planning at GCU, I've been living and breathing the green energy sector for quite some time.  I am incredibly thankful to have won this award because it's my passion.  I love my job and to get a reward like this really means a lot."

The standout for judges on the evening was Katie's role in leading Viridor's operations and management preparedness for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which helped them become the greenest games ever.

Colin Paterson, Scottish Regional Managing Director for Viridor, welcomed Katie's award.  He said:

"Katie is a fantastic example of the type of bright and committed young graduate that the Scottish resource sector needs to flourish."

Cllr Helen McKenna, Convener of Environment, North Lanarkshire Council, said:

"I'm thrilled that the education, skills and intelligence of yet another young woman from North Lanarkshire has been recognised by Scottish Government.  Today's modern recycling and resources sector increasingly utilises multi-million pound, high-tech infrastructure and is central to Scotland's green economy.

"Along with Viridor, I'm delighted that North Lanarkshire Council played a part in Katie's development.  Katie is symbolic of the modern, mobile and highly-skilled workforce available to high-tech investors in Lanarkshire such as Viridor and I wish her well in her future career."

Local MSP Michael McMahon was full of praise for Katie's achievements.  He said:

"I am delighted that Katie has had her commitment to recycling recognised with her receiving this illustrious award.  Her dedication to promoting awareness of the benefits of recycling has generated a lot of interest in waste management and support for the pursuit of zero waste.  Katie thoroughly deserves this win."

Constituency MP Frank Roy added:

"Katie is a credit to her community and has set a high standard for others to follow."