Field Sports
Shooting estates ‘could lead rural economic revival’
SCOTLAND’S shooting estates could spearhead a post-covid economic revival in the countryside after not furloughing staff during the lockdown, according to regional moorland groups. A survey of 32 estates found that only three gamekeepers had been furloughed and that no redundancies had been made. All the estates said they plan to maintain staffing at current…
Read MoreFishing set to return
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has welcomed reports that the Scottish Government is set to ease some restrictions on local area angling when it sets out its framework and timetable for changes to lockdown on Thursday.
Read MorePoaching and vandalism rise
After several unsavoury incidents of poaching and vandalism – including £30,000 of damage when a pheasant shoot was deliberately destroyed, the vandalising of high seats, poaching at a Kinross fishery, and the arrest of two men for illegal fishing in Kelso – game shoots and fisheries are being warned to be extra vigilant during lockdown.…
Read MoreRough justice
Shooting organisations have lauded as “extremely positive news” the news that Defra have objected to Wild Justice’s judicial review seeking to restrict gamebird releases, describing the move as ‘vexatious’ and ‘pointless’. Defra have asked the court to refuse Wild Justice permission to bring the claim and asked to be awarded costs. Wild Justice – an…
Read MoreWater of life benefits Scottish sporting estate
The innovative field sports-funded buy-out of Barvas on Lewis by a crofting community which once rejected the gift of the estate is a microcosm of the huge changes sweeping Scotland’s sporting estates. Standing at the foot of the Lewis War Memorial, looking south to the frosted summit of Clisham on the Isle of Harris peeking…
Read MoreRoyal blessing for Glad Rags shooting event
Scotland’s premier all female shooting club has blasted into 2020 with the permission of the Queen to hold a charity clay shoot at Delnadamph. Glad Rags & Cartridge Bags will visit the location, which forms part of the Balmoral Estate. Mhairi Morriss, owner of Jomm Events and founder of Glad Rags and Cartridge Bags, was…
Read MoreSet your sights on the new Helia riflescope
Fieldsports enthusiasts should take aim at a new riflescope from Swarovski Optik. The Helia 3.5-18x50i is a new addition to the Helia range of riflescopes for stalking and hunting from a hide, which impress on account of their uncompromising focus on the essentials: functionality, reliability, handling and aesthetics. The 18x magnification power of the Helia…
Read MoreNo haaf measures at the Caerlaverock Estate
The Caerlaverock estate is home to wildfowling, wildlife habitats and conservation, as well as an ancient fishing tradition. The ancient woodland, mud flats and marshes, swirling tides and salty sands are just part of what makes Caerlaverock Estate in Dumfries and Galloway so special. Owned by Lady Herries of Terregles, who is committed to ensuring…
Read MoreThe British Game Alliance appoints its new CEO
The British Game Alliance has announced that Liam Stokes has been appointed as its new chief executive officer. Liam has dedicated his career to the countryside, most recently stepping up to the role of senior leader for farming sector policy at DEFRA, where he has worked at the heart of future food and farming policy.…
Read MoreAfter fishing in Russia, there’s no place like home
Despite the large and plentiful salmon in Russia’s rivers, our writer claims nothing matches the Scottish fishing experience – even when you catch very little. All my life I had wanted to fish in Russia. I had heard and read so much about it. There were monster salmon there; there were undreamed-of amounts; the rivers…
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