Win a day’s driven grouse shooting at Glenogil

Shooting enthusiasts can win a prize of a lifetime – a day’s driven grouse shooting in Scotland. The traditional Grand Grouse Draw, organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), offers the winner and eight friends the chance to enjoy an unforgettable experience on Glenogil Estate, one of the finest estates in Scotland. Glenogil,…

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Scotswoman who braved the wilds of Australia

If America’s frontiers were expanded westwards by cowboys and cattle ranchers, so Australia’s interior was also opened up by the bullock drovers. These days we are used to images of ‘road trains’ in which huge trucks pull multiple wagons bursting at the seams with cattle, but in the nineteenth century, before a network of highways…

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The ancient art making a comeback in Scotland

The ancient craft of hedgelaying has been practiced in Scotland since Celtic times, but the method largely fell out of use after World War II when mechanisation took over the farming scene. But despite this, the craft is now enjoying something of a revival in the Borders. Graeme Walker, a Kelso native based in Newton…

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Campaign urges people not to buy from puppy farms

The Scottish Government has launched a campaign against buying illegally-bred puppies and the warnings signs to look out for. Research shows that Scots are more likely to buy an illegally-bred puppy, with only 24% of Scots buying from an approved breeder and one in four (25%) considering using an online advert or website to buy…

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Joint statement hits back at anti-shooting activists

Countryside and wildlife organisations have appealed for the Scottish Government-led review into grouse moor management to be allowed to take its course in the interests of rural Scotland. The British Association of Shooting and Conservation, The Scottish Countryside Alliance, Scottish Land & Estates and the Scottish Association of Country Sports issued a joint statement as…

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The buried secrets of ruins found in a park

Aden Park is a jewel in the heart of Central Buchan, ‘The Land of Plenty’. It is situated next to the equally stunning Pitfour Estate. These two picturesque areas are connected via the Buchan Formartine Way. About four years ago I was walking through Aden Park with my dog Mhorlich when he ran off, probably chasing some…

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Organic farm status delights Prince Charles

A second section of Dumfries House estate is to be certified as organic in January. This is another major element being realised, as part of The Prince of Wales’s vision for the East Ayrshire site he saved for the nation 11 years ago. The Kauffman Education Gardens, where thousands of school children each year learn…

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Farmers can benefit from three key areas

Many Scottish farmers could benefit from commercial opportunities in three key sectors which offer the potential to transform their businesses. That’s the view of leading independent rural property consultants Galbraith, the renewable energy, forestry and tourism sectors are still offering attractive returns. Speaking at the firm’s farming seminar for 160 industry figures today (Friday), Ian…

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This is the perfect home for equestrian lovers

A secluded highly attractive farm with extensive equestrian facilities is now on the property market. Presented for sale by Strutt & Parker, Whitehills Farm, near Banchory, Aberdeenshire, offers a highly desirable mix of space, privacy and accessibility. The south-facing country house provides comfortable and spacious family accommodation and benefits from a 92m² open plan kitchen,…

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Nature-depleted Scotland needs new era of rewilding

A sticking plaster approach to conservation is failing Scotland’s wildlife – and species such as red squirrel, wild cat and capercaillie are declining or on the edge of extinction. The only thing that can help save them all is a new era of massive rewilding is needed, according to a landmark new book from Trees…

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