A third-year pupil at Breadalbane Academy, Aberfeldy, has taken home the Tam Tod Trophy, a Tiso gift voucher and the title of Young Country Sports Person 2013.
Morgan Chalmers, 14, who is keen to pursue a career in the countryside, accepted the prize at the Scottish Countryside Alliance awards event held at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood this week.
Morgan, who does not come from a country sports background, impressed the judges with his determination to learn and develop his skills.
So enthusiastic was he to learn about pheasant beating that he made contact with keepers to secure an opportunity, and now regularly helps out on Edradynate Estate.
Morgan already has his own dog and has set about training it at home and on the hill with the help of Ronnie Williams.
Morgan was nominated by Peter Butter, rural skills teacher at the school.
Peter said: “Morgan applies an admirable work ethic and good leadership skills when fencing, carrying out path maintenance and grass maintenance.
“His practical and problem-solving ability during practical tasks make him a natural leader and he works very well in supporting other pupils to learn about the outdoors.”
The runners-up were Finlay Girdwood, 17, of Selkirk, a student at St Boswells College; and Duncan Seaton, 19, from Inverness, nominated by Highland College, in Thurso.
The Tam Tod Trophy was inaugurated in 2009 and was funded in memory of Tam Tod, a gamekeeper and ghillie, latterly at Strone Estate, Bridge of Cally. The specially commissioned trophy was created by Perthshire designer Robert MacFadzean.