Field Sports
Minister appalled by abuse of gamekeepers
SCOTLAND’S new rural affairs minister has condemned “the abuse and unfair harassment” of gamekeepers and their families. In a letter to the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC), Ben Macpherson said he was “appalled to hear of the experiences” reported by Scotland’s gamekeepers. Almost two thirds of keepers have experienced abusive behaviour, according to…
Read MoreEstates vow to continue wildlife scheme
SCOTTISH estates have vowed to continue expanding an international wildlife and habitat accreditation scheme beyond the UK’s European Union (EU) transition. Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES), which builds information on species and land use to improve Scotland’s biodiversity, is based on a European scheme used in 19 countries. WES is celebrating its tenth birthday this month…
Read MoreGamekeepers donate to help Lucas
AS THE result of a chance encounter, gamekeepers from the Southern Uplands Moorland Group (SUMG) have been very pleased to be able to assist in a young lad’s future, writes the group’s Mark Ewart. Lucas Davies, 7, who lives with his family in Penicuick, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD) in late 2014, a…
Read MoreWhat is deer stalking? Everything you need to know
The experts from House of Bruar share a guide to deer stalking to mark the opening of their latest clothing department in the Perthshire store. THE pursuit of deer has been part of our lives since the dawn of time. Deer stalking is one of the fastest growing field sports in the UK, and it’s…
Read MoreHolts holds valuation days in Scotland
HOLTS Auctioneers is holding valuation days in Scotland this week ahead of its December sale. Experts will examine guns and accessories, sporting items, and militaria. Bisley at Braidwood at Midlem near Selkirk will host a session tomorrow afternoon. Valuations will take place at Dickson’s of Dunkeld tomorrow afternoon and on Wednesday morning. Campbell’s of Beauly…
Read MoreBritish Game Alliance launches ‘elevenses’ campaign
THE British Game Alliance (BGA) is launching its #BGABites campaign today to encourage estates to serve “game-based elevenses” during their shoots. The BGA, which was set up to promote game meats, believes serving elevenses featuring game will encourage guests to eat game on a wider range of occasions. The alliance will posts recipes and photographs…
Read MoreFight looms against European lead shot rules
A SHOOTING group has pledged to fight against European Union (EU) plans to retrict the use of lead shot over wetlands and peatlands. The British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) warned that the EU proposals could get in the way of the UK’s existing five-year voluntary transition to sustainable ammunition if the UK Government…
Read MoreRural businesses hail start of grouse shooting season
TODAY’S opening of the grouse shooting season has been described as a “lifeline” for rural businesses amid the coronavirus lockdown. Shooting supports the equivalent of 11,000 full-time jobs in Scotland, including 2,640 in the grouse sector. Hunting, shooting and fishing contribute £350 million each year to Scotland’s economy. Dee Ward, owner of Rottal Estate at…
Read MoreRiver Tweed fishing museum set to open
A MUSEUM telling the story of rod and line salmon fishing on the River Tweed will open in Kelso on 4 September. Rod and line techniques were developed on the Tweed during the middle of the 18th century and influenced the economic and cultural development of the Eastern Borders. The River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum…
Read MoreSocially-distanced grouse shooting set to begin
ESTATES have been preparing to hold socially-distanced shoots ahead of the grouse season beginning on Wednesday. Protocols have been developed and approved by the Scottish Government. Mark Ewart, coordinator of the Southern Uplands Moorland Group, said: “This year is different to any season we’ve experienced before, but the discussions held over the past few weeks…
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