With Linda Melllor

Isn’t the world a better place when the everything is in full bloom? We travelled through the month of May going from warm to cold, rain to sunshine, windy to calm and back again. What a month it was but, thankfully, the much-needed rain made all the difference to the countryside, and everything exploded into life. I watched a healthy number of young garden birds, red squirrels, and rabbits not too far from the house and enjoyed seeing them mature over the weeks. Probably my favourite wildlife scene is watching the roe deer in June. There’s not much can beat the pictureperfect scene of a roe doe and her twins on a summer’s evening.

Flock-down ended at the beginning of May, much to the relief of poultry farmers and birdkeepers but bird health concerns continue. The pheasant shooting season has a precarious look to it due to the restriction of gamebird imports from France this year because of Avian Influenza. The shooting season for pheasants runs from 1st October – 1st February in Scotland. One Shoot Captain I spoke to in late May said, “I think a number of pheasant shoots are going to struggle and go out of business. Many of the shoots rely heavily on importing birds and bringing them on but this year it is looking very likely they will not have any pheasant poults. Everyone is scrambling around looking for alternative suppliers. If Covid-19 impacts were not bad enough for a shooting business, this has increased the stress of running a pheasant shoot, and it is a worrying time for all concerned.”

Previously, each year, the UK imported large amounts of partridge and pheasant, however, this year, the impact from Avian Influenza is going to drastically affect the British shooting industry. Any imports of egg and chicks from France have been stopped and there are no dates provided for lifting the restrictions in the immediate future.

Now we’re into the Show and Game Fair season, and I am keeping my fingers crossed we’ll get the right sort of weather for them. We don’t want any dates cancelled due to inclement weather, and we don’t want any muddy show grounds and ploughed up car parks. It’s always a challenge for everyone attending or taking part, but more so if you are showing animals, everyone wants to look their best in the showring especially if you are vying for best in show.

Many will be looking to get away and out of the country now we are free of lockdown and can roam the world once more, however, cancellations and travel chaos have blighted many holiday expectations. I hope Scottish locations can benefit from people staying in Scotland or visiting from within the UK and other countries. Scotland has much to offer including something special for the sporting tourist. I have seen an increase in the amount of hunters enquiring and booking a holiday in Scotland. They want to enjoy the full Scottish experience of staying in a remote hotel, soaking up the scenery, dinning on local cuisine, sipping a nip or two of whisky, and stalking a red stag. Scotland is set up to cater for hunting tourists: we can offer them as many activities and experiences as they can squeeze in. A great example is on the Isle of Skye. Pop over the Fearann Eilean Iarmain in the south of Skye and you can tick off a list of outdoors activities without leaving the estate. Multiple Award Winning Gamekeeper of the Year Scott MacKenzie will guide you over the hills on a deer stalk or on an equally challenging, simulated deer stalk where your target shooting is put in the spotlight. If you are more of a shotgun shooter then the newly designed clay shooting ground will keep you on your toes. Beginner, novice or a well-seasoned shot the course will take you through your paces. There’s also woodcock shooting, fishing, and guided wildlife walks. A choice of accommodation on the estate includes a hotel, pub, and self-catering cottages, all are perfectly situated for an incredible time and an unforgettable Skye experience. Do take my word for it as I speak from experience. I spent three days at Fearann Eilean Iarmain in mid-May, and what a treasure it is. Beautiful scenery, a tasty menu to tempt you with delicious seafood, estate venison, and they produce their own whisky and gin. Scott’s hosting is first class, and everyone takes great care of you, so much so, you don’t want to leave.

by Linda Mellor

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE