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The ancient art of falconry has returned to Dalhousie Castle |
When you enter the sweeping driveway of Dalhousie Castle just outside Edinburgh, you are greeted by a very impressive sight and one entirely in keeping with the history and tradition of a 13th century fortress.
The Dalhousie Falconry School is situated just within the main gates where the spectacular collection of birds of prey welcomes you noisily from their perches.
Falconry is a country sport with a history dating back in the West to 1247. Predominantly a pursuit enjoyed by the aristocracy, Mary Queen of Scots was an avid falconer and birds portrayed in the paintings and writings of Tudor Britain indicate that falconry was as popular as football is today. In the 17th century falconry began to decline as a result of causes such as agricultural improvements and the introduction of firearms into the sporting field. It has never completely recovered its former favour and today, although gaining in popularity, is still a minority sport.
Dalhousie opened its Falconry School in 2003 and were lucky enough to lure Julie Saleh from nearby Dobbies. Julie and her husband together have over 40 years experience of working in falconry commercially and Julie has had a fascination and love of birds since her childhood.
Many of the guests staying at Dalhousie are pleasantly surprised to discover such an unusual activity on offer in a hotel only a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Julie’s enthusiasm for her happy family of owls, falcons and eagles is infectious and even if you are aren’t a wildlife lover falconry is a relaxing distraction on a country walk. Falconry is not as many believe a spectator sport and you should be prepared to find yourself eyeball to eyeball with an eagle, owl or falcon within minutes.
Julie’s collection of birds include Nebs (NOT EATEN BY STOATS – a reference to the sad demise of the previous model) to Karim, a Golden eagle. Karim may sound like a ferocious beast but he is the laziest bird in Julie’s family and, rather surprisingly, is even scared of his own shadow.
Dalhousie have cleverly incorporated the falconry experience into their events and wedding packages with falconry displays available at drinks receptions and even a bird trained to deliver the rings to the happy bride and groom marrying in Dalhousie’s own chapel.
Dalhousie itself has an interesting history. Built in the
