Field Sports
An exhilarating stalk on Uist still needs traditional skills
Alistair Matheson, the Gaelic bard, once wrote in praise of Uist and its wildlife. ‘Thugaibh leam le uaill gu fonnmhor, Oran,s fonn do thir mo ghraidh, Uibhist riomhach nan damh donn’ ‘Come with me with pride and cheer, With music and song to the land of my heart, Bonnie Uist of the red deer’ Considering…
Read MoreI can’t wait for the better weather to get back out with my rod
As I type this, I am looking out on another dank morning and I am wishing I could turn the clocks forward by at least a month. Whilst I cast an occasional line for our ‘silver tourists’ in February and March, and I fish for pike when I can in March and April, May is…
Read MoreGamekeepers hit back in missing Scottish golden eagle row
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has hit back at accusations from a TV presenter that its members were responsible for a golden eagle which has gone missing near Edinburgh. Last week, BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham issued a press release which said a young satellite-tagged eagle, Fred, had gone missing just miles from the Scottish Parliament,…
Read MoreBook review: Alexander Henry – Rifle Maker, by Donald Dallas
The fascinating story of an acclaimed Scots rifle maker is chronicled in a fascinating new biography. Released as a private publication for Donald Dallas, this book gives an in depth history of Edinburgh rifle maker Alexander Henry. Alexander Henry (1818–1894) was in business in Edinburgh for only a short period, 42 years, but in that…
Read MoreLadies are on target to have another hot shot year
Scotland’s premier ladies shooting club Glad Rags & Cartridge Bags got the new year off to a cracking start with their blast away the January blues clay shooting event at Pittodrie House Hotel in Aberdeenshire. Ladies of all experiences took part, ranging from ones who had never held a gun before to the more experienced…
Read MoreFishing season is now underway on the River Tay
The opening of the River Tay salmon fishing season took place at Meikleour on Monday this week. However, the 2018 season comes at a time of change, some positive and some very concerning, for fish runs into the Tay. On the positive side, early-running spring salmon are getting bigger. The mean weight of salmon caught between January…
Read MoreRevamped Ardanaiseig is the reel deal for fishing group
One of Scotland’s top country manor houses is now available for exclusive use by fishing parties. Ardanaiseig, situated on the banks of Loch Awe near Taynuilt in Argyll, has re-launched this month as an exclusive use venue, with anglers as one of its top priority groups. Scotland’s third largest freshwater loch is particularly renowned for…
Read MoreGenerous gamekeepers do their bit to help those in need
Gamekeepers and estates across Angus and Grampian teamed up to provide meals of fresh local game for over 600 homeless and vulnerable people at Christmas. Angus Glens Moorland Group and Grampian Moorland Group were established in 2015 to showcase working and community life in remote rural glens. Over the past year they have been working…
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