Shooting Scotland Magazine (July - August 2016) by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd

august 2016

SHOOTING SCOTLANDmagazine and FISHING

Scotland, the home of country sports Scotland has so much to offer Habitat & species protection Managing Scotland’s rural landscape Fife’s Roe Deer Scotland’s smallest native deer Seasoned shooters - staying in the game With Stewart Cumming at Hopetoun Clays The Scottish Ladies Shooting Club Lowland Deer Network Scotland

Scottish country life with Linda Mellor Kelso Deer Stalking Fair A look back by Brian Lile Choosing the right gundog Advice from Stuart Dunn Cooking with game Ostlers Close, Cupar, Fife Plus Falconry s Shooting Etiquette The Ghillie s Product Focus

contents

august 2016

editor's bit From little acorns….

I am delighted to welcome you all to our very first edition of Shooting Scotland Magazine, and to what is only the beginning of a journey where we will grow and establish this new and exciting Scottish title. I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who has contributed to this issue, and in particular Linda Mellor who has been a real driving force behind the concept of this new magazine. Launching a new magazine title is always a challenge, but in this case we know that we have a title that will promote Scotland’s diverse rural lifestyle and environment. Our plans are to publish Shooting Scotland Magazine three times per year – these will be on sale alongside Farming Scotland Magazine. So for only £3.00, you get two great Scottish magazines! The next edition of Shooting Scotland Magazine will be out on 1st September, followed by our third one on 1st November. In the meantime, we will be working hard behind the scenes to build the content while endeavouring to create a magazine package that everyone living and working in rural Scotland will look forward to and enjoy. So, with that in mind, all ideas are welcome – what would you like to see in a Shooting Scotland Magazine? We would love to hear from you. Ideas for Columns, Special topics of interest, advice etc.? We will welcome all your thoughts. Anyone is free to contact me directly on 01738 639747 or email me at: athole@atholedesign.com Next step?... growing this Great Oak! Slàinte, Athole. EDITOR & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

Scotland, the home of country sports Linda Mellor looks at Scotland’s great outdoor country sports

Falconry With falconer Steve Brazendale

Habitat & species protection Managing Scotland’s landscape. By Dr Adam Smith, Director Scotland, GWCT

12 Fife’s Roe Deer

Fife is well known for the smallest of native deer. By Linda Mellor

16 The Scottish Ladies Shooting Team Girls like to shoot too you know!

20 Lowland Deer Network Scotland Richard Cooke, Chairman, LDNS, reporting on the work they do

21 Shooting etiquette A few tips to the wise in this column from Chris Farley-West

22 Choosing the right gundog Sage advice from Stuart Dunn, gundog trainer & chair of the Caledonian Retriever Club

23 Scottish Country Life A personal perspective on rural life with Linda Mellor

24 Deer Stalking Fair at Kelso Organiser Brian Lile looks back at another successful event

25 Seasoned shooters - staying in the game! Stewart Cumming at Hopetoun Clays, on keeping your shooting skills up to speed

29 Fishing on the Nith at Drumlanrig Looking back on what was a very successful and enjoyable day on the river Nith with Linda Mellor

30 The Ghillie Column by Tay Ghillie, Robert White

32 Flavour of Scotland Breast of woodpigeon with potato rosti and Jimmy’s Chimichirri. Brought to you by Ostlers Close Restaurant, Cupar, Fife

33 Product Focus Two pages of new products to tempt your wallet! FRONT COVER Stalking guide Stevie Grant of West Highland Hunting, glassing red stags on Ardnamurchan Estate in Argyll. For more information visit: www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Barry Tweed Tel. 01738 550157 Email: barry@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

29 ADVERTISING MANAGER Trevor Knights Tel. 01738 447378 Email: trevor.knights@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT This publication has been produced and published by ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD who are the copyright owners. No reproduction, copying, image scanning, storing or recording of any part of this publication without the permission of ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD. Contents disclaimer: SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is not responsible for any factual inaccuracies within press information supplied to us. Any concerns regarding such matters should be directed to the supplier of the materials.

SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is designed, produced and published by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd., Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland PH2 7BU. Tel. 01738 639747

©ATHOLE DESIGN 2016

Scotland The home of country sports By Linda Mellor Scotland is known worldwide for its historical past and wild, dramatic beauty. The vast areas of open countryside, graced by rugged mountains and dramatic glens, heather clad hills, lochs and sparkling rivers help to make it one of the world’s foremost destinations. The land area of Scotland covers 30,420 sq miles and has more than 30,000 freshwater lochs and 6,600 river systems. Scotland’s natural environment attracts millions of country sports tourists from all over the globe boosting the Scottish

Walking towards the grouse

economy by £155m. There are an estimated 4,400 working full time in the industry; 2,600 employed in shooting and stalking and 1,800 engaged in fishing. Scotland’s world-class sporting tourism was put on the map when Prince Albert and Queen Victoria leased Balmoral Castle in 1848 before buying it in 1852. The couple spent most of their summers there and Victoria accompanied Albert when he stalked deer on the estate. Royalty had given Scotland their seal of approval and

Victorians took note. Scotland was no longer perceived to be a hostile place inhabited by savages instead the unspoilt countryside became the fashionable destination for the well-heeled Victorians who were keen to partake in country pursuits. The industrial revolution saw the introduction of new roads and railways making trips to Scotland more accessible to visitors. Shooting, fishing and deer stalking are three of the most popular country sports. In the mid 1800s shooting was

a very exclusive sport and Scotland was the go-to game shooting destination. Some of the English shooting estates were considered tame in comparison; they lacked the rugged landscape and could not compete with the sporting challenges of Scotland’s wild, untamed countryside. Many upland areas were managed to produce grouse for shooting and to this day they remain an important source of income for many estates. By the 1830s Highland lairds offered shooting. Deer forests

Scotland, the home of country sports were being created to meet the demands as deer stalking increased in popularity and became a serious sport. The deer population flourished and impressive hunting lodges were built. Large parts of the highlands were transformed into sporting estates where the British aristocrats would spend the autumn shooting. Pathways were created for the highland ponies or ‘garron’ to bring the shot stags and hinds down from the hill. Head Keeper Mark Ancliff from the Fasque Estate in Aberdeenshire said, “I love Scotland, the scenery is second to none and it lends itself to shooting, stalking and fishing. Some of the land is managed and some of it is untouched but it is never manicured. It can be wild up here on the high ground and that’s what people love when they come to shoot or stalk. Flying into a local airport gives them a taster of what’s to come; they can see the landscape from the plane window and get a sense their Scottish adventure is about to start. As soon as they step into Scotland it is all available to them, the whole package from the sport, the scenery, the wildlife, the traditions, whisky, tartan and the haggis. We have it all.” Mark has been a keeper on the 20,000 acre estate for 31 years and welcomes sporting visitors from all over the world. Country sports lovers appreciate the surroundings and see it as an integral part of the Scottish sporting experience. In the remote parts the rewards are greater with possible sightings of the more elusive wildlife. “Our customers are wide spread and come from the likes of USA, Japan, China, Europe and even Bahrain. We also welcome local guns who have shot with us for many years. Fasque has an enviable reputation and it offers a rich assortment for the sportsman and woman. You can shoot a variety of game birds including grouse, pheasant, partridge, snipe, woodcock and geese. You can stalk a stag or a

Deer stalking in the forest

The art of fly fishing

Scotland, the home of country sports roe buck. Our customers love the scenery, from looking out and seeing snow on the hills or catching a glimpse of the white hares or a golden eagle, it all adds to their experience of Scotland and makes it all the more memorable.” There is a long standing romantic view of Scotland and many have been bewitched by the untamed land steeped in history. Some of the ancient customs, countryside jobs and work practices are still carried on today. For the last 170 years Highland ponies have been the main means of transporting deer and other game off the hill. Many of the old traditions set out in country sports in the last century are still followed today by tweed-clad stalkers, keepers and ghillies. In some cases the roles and countryside knowledge are passed down through generations of the same family with a son taking on a role his father held and his grandfather before him. Angling for salmon is centuries old but it grew in popularity when the Victorians enjoyed their lengthy sporting holidays in Scotland. They often combined fishing with deer stalking and grouse shooting. Sport fishing continued to develop and attract a steady flow of participants. Today, it remains a major contributor to the Scottish economy. Professional Salmon Fishing Guide Jock Monteith has

Deer stalking at sunrise

welcomed anglers into Scotland for a number of decades, he said, “Scotland has a unique infrastructure; we have airports near river locations, good road links and we have accommodation close to rivers. The Beat owners take their fishing assets very seriously and invest in riverbank facilities. On the rivers we have guides who know every area of the water; we probably have more staff per mile than anywhere else. Scotland may be smaller in land mass but we offer quality and genuine heritage and that’s unequalled in the salmon fishing world. We have an enviable worldwide reputation and a beautiful country. Anglers come to fish because they love the natural environment and the challenge of catching the king of fish on the fly. They also know they will receive a warm welcome by dedicated professionals who have a genuine passion and specific river knowledge that’s second to none.” There are thousands of countrymen and women who generously impart a lifetime of knowledge, happy to share and open up the wonders of the countryside so others can experience the natural beauty of the land and its abundant wildlife. Generations have passed on their love of Scottish country sports by introducing youngsters. Families have entrusted ghillies, stalkers and

keepers to teach their children about the countryside and its inhabitants and sometimes that early introduction stirs a passion and a deep respect for the land turning it into a hobby or it becomes the foundation of a career. People have fond recollections of Scotland and many are able to recall early childhood memories of their first visits; catching sight of a salmon making its way up river, a stag roaring on the hill or walking across the purple heather on a warm summer’s day and hearing the cackle of a grouse carried on the breeze. The Scottish experience can have such an impact it captivates people and they make a promise to return. In some cases, it may not be possible to return until many years later. However, when they do return the experience can be akin to a homecoming. American Chris Godfrey visited Loch Striven in August 1976, said, “It was the most incredible place. Walking the hills we saw hares and both Black and Red Grouse, an osprey, seals and a Golden Eagle while in search of a trout stream that we never found. Scotland had quite an effect on me and did I mention I was only six? I vowed to one day go back to see it with different eyes.” Chris, from Texas, returned in 2013 to shoot grouse over pointers,

Ready for the driven grouse

hawking and to fish. He spent months making plans to ensure his trip would take him to the parts of Scotland he had seen as a child and to experience the country sports he had dreamed of. “I did see Scotland through different eyes. It felt new; it was like it was my first time and I was full of wonder and amazement and as if I had gone home.” Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group was set up in 2004 and is the national representative for country sports tourism in Scotland. Andrew Grainger, Project Coordinator said, “I doubt the Victorians who developed many of the traditions and practices associated with country sports would have imagined that almost 200 years later the sector in Scotland would be valued at around 334m per year. I also doubt they would have recognised how affordable and accessible participation in country sports is, with wild brown trout fishing from around £3 per day, salmon fishing from around £30 per day, bird shooting from £45 per day and roe deer stalking at around £150.” The sporting choices are limitless throughout Scotland, from the borders to across the mainland and out to the islands, every area has something to offer the shooting, stalking and fishing enthusiasts. We are the fortunate ones, we call it home.

The ancient sport of Falconry By Steve Brazendale, Falconer

Steve Brazendale working with a falcon

Falconry is one of the oldest country sports, and it gives people a reason to experience the outdoors. Everyone, no matter age or ability can enjoy a bird of prey experience. I am based at Smithfield by Crail, Fife, and as a passionate outdoorsman I am keen to share my extensive rural knowledge and introduce more people to the countryside. Inspired Falconry has plugged a gap in the market by offering customers a one to one countryside experience enabling them to get up close to a bird of prey, gain an insight into their history and to fly them. Falconry is a unique bird of prey experience that encourages guests to engage with Scotland’s cultural, social and natural history through a hands-on session with a stunning collection of raptors. I have a lifetime of countryside 8

experience and have been a deer stalker and estate manager for many years. I enjoy sharing the historic details surrounding falconry and how it has played an important role across the ages, from an ancient method of hunting to a medieval marker of status and an Edwardian revival of tradition. I also offer Archery. Falconry and archery were important pursuits for any medieval castle. Archers practised routinely on designated spaces, still preserved in name in modern towns (Bow Butts in Crail and Butts Wynd in St Andrews). Falconers were highly respected members of the court, tasked with sourcing, training and maintaining the laird’s falcons (probably gos, gyr and peregrine) to provide him with food, sport and social prestige. The castles in Fife formed a courtly social circuit that saw

owners compete through falconry and archery. Scotland’s Stewart kings and queens were very keen falconers. Mary Queen of Scots was famed as an excellent falconer who flew a merlin in her favourite hunting grounds at Fife’s Falkland Palace. Her son, James VI and I, was also a falconer; accounting records show he paid a fortune to his Master of the Mews for hawks to be brought in from the Low Countries and a falconry glove and pouch presented to James can be seen in Glasgow’s Burrell Museum. I am a long-standing member of the British Falconers’ Club and have over 30 years’ experience of training, breeding and flying birds including goshawk, sparrow hawk, kestrel, merlin, and peregrine. In 2008, I put together a team of birds specifically for education and

tourism, creating Inspired Falconry to provide exceptional falconry experiences. I fly the birds here at Smithfield over a large open paddock with trees or I travel to a client’s venue where the birds require an open paddock with a minimum 3 acres; the falcons like an open sky and the hawks like a tree. There are a number of services on offer including a hawk walk, falconry tuition, static corporate display and flying corporate display and wedding falconry. In addition to hawk walks and bird of prey experiences I also offer a 6 week introductory course to falcon husbandry. It is an idea starting point if you are interested to know more or considering owning a bird of prey. For more information: http:// www.inspiredfalconry.com

Habitat and species protection By Dr Adam Smith, Director Scotland, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Habitat and species protection covers many aspects of how we manage our landscape. Some protection is important to prevent the worst of damage, but too much can actually reduce the incentive to manage for game and wildlife. So getting the balance of regulation and incentive is critical if wildlife management is to be sustainable.

In its work in delivering that balance, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in Scotland is demonstrating the implications of poor and good regulation in a wide range of practical initiatives, across high and low ground, farmland and moorland. This approach includes our involvement in the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project and our new farm at Auchnerran on Deeside.

Alongside these practical, field projects runs our policy work. Two current examples of important and ongoing work in this area are the Understanding Predation and Sustaining Scotland’s Moorland projects. Understanding Predation – a novel approach February this year saw the launch of Understanding Predation, by

the former Scottish Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod. Hailed as “ground-breaking”, the project is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, commissioned by the Scottish Government and managed by the Moorland Forum, of which GWCT is a member, and has been led by an independent, impartial research group comprising the British Trust for Ornithology (Scotland),

Scotland’s rich habitat requires constant protection

Habitat & Species Protection

A male black grouse

the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the Universities of Aberdeen and Stirling. Understanding Predation has a clear relevance to many of GWCT Scotland’s projects, notably the Langholm Project, our Whitburgh and Balgonie Projects and our Farmer Cluster in Aberdeenshire. It was established to develop a basis for a common understanding between “scientists, conservationists and those who work the land”. All six wild bird species studied in detail for the project (Black Grouse, Curlew, Golden Plover, Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Grey Partridge) have shown widespread declines across Scotland since the 1960s and stakeholders agree that urgent action is required to stop this. This has been facilitated by the project’s “adaptive, collaborative approach, linking scientific evidence gathering and stakeholders’ knowledge, to guide the development of management practices.” Many of the participants echoed the Minister when she said that she hoped the project would “prove to be a turning point in the way we tackle these difficult issues.” At the latest open meeting of the Understanding Predation project there was a strong 10

groundswell of opinion that practical conservation action could be the best way to develop better understanding and do something positive to sustain ground nesting birds. Such projects would need some key elements, such as a clear and justifiable aim, sound monitoring of the results of activity and a willingness to change, or adapt, management as results come in. We applaud this approach and believe it will further improve the insight afforded to Government which has been considerable. We’d like to thank those GWCT members and all those who took part in the public data gathering and discussion sessions. Sustaining Scotland’s Moorland Sustaining species is only one part of the very big debate that is current about Scotland’s moorland habitats. These have been a central part of GWCT’s policy focus in Scotland for a number of years because of the debate about how we manage our upland landscapes and which services - food, fuel and fibre - should we be producing and where. To move this debate forward, the Scientific Advisory Committee of Scottish Natural

Habitat & Species Protection Heritage (SNH), of which GWCT is a member, made a suite of recommendations in its review of sustainable moorland management. One key recommendation was for the Moorland Forum to produce a ‘shared vision’ for upland habitats. As noted by the Advisory Committee’s report, the uplands are often influenced by a wide range of policies such as CAP reform or forestry expansion but very few policies or Government agencies have moorland as a priority. This has led to conflicting ideas and aspirations for upland habitats and, more recently, some organisations calling for an end to certain types of management, such as driven grouse shooting. As our contribution to the ongoing discussion about land use and the provision of ecosystem services in the uplands, at the end of 2015

GWCT published a series of its own Scottish position statements on moorland management. Sustaining Scotland’s Moorland is based on our own (and others’) research into the benefits of grouse moor management and how this type of management can be a force for good in our uplands. It is a ‘living’ document - this means it can evolve and be informed by new research, adaptive management and best practice. We hope it will be a useful tool for SNH and others, such as MSPs, to stay informed about upland game management, such as best practice use of medicated grit, and that they will refer to this comprehensive body of work rather than relying on often unsubstantiated media reports in influencing their decisions on policy. Sustaining Scotland’s Moorland recognises that there is always room for change and,

that if we are to find the correct balance for the many issues that face us in managing moorland, we also need to develop new processes and reassess often long-held practices. Grouse moors can (and do) host diverse bird of prey populations; moors should play a greater role in protecting and enhancing peat storage, thus capturing carbon and water. In the future, existing management may need to be refined or adapted to maximise the multiple benefits produced by moorland. GWCT feels that both private investors and public policy need evidence from research and demonstration to help guide these developments. Grouse moors should not be considered in isolation, but as part of a suite of land uses, such as forestry or livestock farming, in developing a sustainable future for the uplands.

Alternative land uses should also be assessed to demonstrate the public benefits they provide and consideration given to where there are trade-offs in terms of negative impacts. Striking the balance Critically, for species and habitat conservation there must be a shift in perception that management is bad. Choices about which species and habitats we want, or not, is all about management. We hope Understanding Predation and Sustaining Scotland’s Moorland will contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role that management has in contributing to a productive landscape, which is rich in both game and wildlife. And if you want the public, policymakers and practitioners to see the balance in real life, support and visit the GWCT’s demonstration projects, both online (www.gwct. org.uk/scotland) and in the field.

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Fifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roe Deer By Linda Mellor Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are the smallest of the British native deer species and are thought to have been resident in Britain since before the Mesolithic period (6,000 to 10,000 years ago). The roe deer population remained steady in areas of Scotland but they became extinct in England by 1800s due to over hunting and forest clearances and had to be re-introduced.

Doe amongst the bluebells

Fife has a long association with a variety of deer species; in 2000 a reindeer antler was found in Inverkeithing by workmen digging drains for the new park and ride. It was radiocarbon dated 12

as 9968 + 62 BP (before present) making the antler the earliest and most northerly record of reindeer from the Holocene of Britain. Over the centuries Fife was acknowledged for its

fertile lands and wildlife such as wild boar and deer would have thrived. There are two important factors for a healthy deer population; a plentiful supply of food and

woodland shelter. There were many forests in Fife providing ideal cover for deer and the woodlands in Collessie, Falkland and Earnside were favoured by the hunting

Fife’s Roe Deer Royalty. In 1458-1459 James ll enclosed the wood of Falkland where deer were managed for sport and protected by law. Poachers were fined hefty amounts and if repeat offenders were unable to pay they were likely to be hanged. Three species of deer, roe, fallow and red, were found in Fife however changes in land use and an increase in hunting meant fallow and red ceased to be part of the county’s fauna. The enclosed woodland of Falkland was populated by fallow deer but the trees were cut down by Cromwell in 1652. According to local parish records he “carried off the trees for the purpose of using them in the construction of the fort he was then erecting at Dundee.” A number of factors have contributed to the stability and growth of Fife’s roe deer population over the centuries. Habitat destruction via deforestation had driven other less adaptable species out. Deer hunting was increasingly popular with royalty and noblemen and they would have targeted the larger beasts and trophy stags. Roe are smaller than red and fallow; they typically weight between19 kgs for does (female) and 25kgs for bucks (male). They are less showy and more timid than the other species. Throughout the summer they have a tendency to be solitary and during the winter months they may form loose family groups. All these factors make them more inconspicuous and less of a target. The deer have no serious predators as wolves became extinct in Scotland a number of centuries ago. The buck is the larger of the sexes and is identified by the short antlers and markings on the head. In summer, their coats are a rich, chestnut red colour then over the winter months they grow a thicker greyish fawn coat. During the late spring when they moult their coats look dishevelled and patchy. They are active throughout the 24-hour period but depending

A young buck

A mature buck with winter coat

Fife’s Roe Deer on levels of disturbance they may make more use of open spaces under the cover of darkness. The deer bark when alarmed and a white patch on their rump expands to form a large disc. Peak times of activity times are at dawn and dusk. In some locations they adapt to the environment living in close proximity to industry, traffic and areas where people frequently walk their dogs. From browsing in daylight to tucking themselves into cover and watching dog walkers from a distance, they appear to adapt to the activities within their home patch. Long periods are spent lying down in cover to ruminate between feeds. They are selective browsers and will seek out favoured herbs, dwarf-shrubs, tree shoots and vegetables. In the springtime, bucks mark their territories by

scuffing areas known as ‘scrapes’ and by rubbing scent from their face glands on to trees. The breeding season, or rut, occurs between mid-July to mid-August. Bucks become aggressive and maintain exclusive territories around one or more does prior to the rut. Their boundaries are reinforced by rubbing bark off small trees and shrubs with their antlers. Fights between bucks can take place on territorial boundaries and are usually extended displays of dominance. They circle and rush at one another but do not make contact. When they confront one another they may scrape, urinate, defecate or kick the scrape with their hind legs. Most antler contact between bucks is short, giving the dominant male the chance

An alarmed doe in her full summer coat

to wrestle and overpower the lesser buck. The inferior male will usually break off from the fight, pause and then flee and smaller bucks may be chased. Even though mating occurs in this stage the fertilised egg does not implant and grow until January in the next year. The gestation period is nine months; four months of no embryonic growth followed by five months of foetal growth with kids, usually 2 but occasionally 3, being born around May or June. The youngsters stay with the mother then they are pushed out as yearlings. Buck kids are generally chased away, but doe kids may be allowed to stay closer. The roe deer do not maintain restricted territories but live within overlapping home areas. Females have home

ranges and they do not extend into male territories. Maternal areas are often defended at the end of the breeding season by related groups. Bucks may nuzzle their families of does and kids but chase non-related others away. Roe deer images have been used since ancient times as icons of family life because they are normally seen in small groups symbolic for family harmony. In 1831, The Sporting Magazine recorded Fife as ‘known for great sport’ and from the Records of the Fife Fox-hounds, an entry noted, “found some roe-deer, which ran like devils. The county abounded with roe-deer.” Fife covers over 512 square miles with a mixture of woodland cover, rolling hills and fertile arable farmland. The weather is

Fife’s Roe Deer relatively mild in comparison to the more northern parts of Scotland and drier than the western side providing ideal growing conditions for natural and farmed produce. The soil is rich in minerals, in particular, an underlying band of limestone, which produces trace elements critical for strong bone growth. The east coast of Scotland is widely recognised for its roe deer stalking and Fife in particular produces good body conditions and trophy heads. Deer stalker Johnny Readhead said: “Fife roe bucks are known all over as world class and there is always a huge demand for them especially with my Northern European clients. With the change in farming practices and an increase in field margins the deer

have many areas to feed and establish territories. The deer thrive in the county and this is reflected in the healthy population numbers and trophy heads.” Anton Watson, Wildlife Management Officer, Scottish National Heritage (SNH) said: “With the abundance of food and cover available to them in Fife, it’s no surprise then that the area produces its fair share of medal bucks. If we were to compare the average body weight and antler size of a Fife roe deer to one of the same age found in a commercial forestry block in South Ayrshire, for example, the difference would be staggering, with the Fife deer winning the weigh-in hands down. Also, due to the prime conditions, we can assume that the does will be having

twins annually which, in turn, boosts the population.” On 1st January 2012 SNH introduced the Code of Practice on Deer Management. The Code is to help everybody who owns or manages land on which wild deer occur and those who manage wild deer on someone else’s land to deliver sustainable deer management. The code supports a voluntary approach to deer management and the responsibilities you have if you have deer on your land. “Stalkers come from far and wide to have a go at hunting a Fife roe deer and it’s important that the welfare of the animals is safeguarded,” said Anton. “Landowners now have a responsibility under the Deer Code to take into account deer welfare. For example, if deer have the potential to

cause a road traffic accident and they’ve come from your land, it would be sensible to look at how you are currently managing the population. We’re always available for advice with issues like this.” For centuries venison has been eaten and in the last decade it has become a popular choice on restaurant menus. It is one of the most nutritious of all red meats and a good source of iron and is high in Vitamins B6, B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin and niacin. It is also a source of zinc, lower in fat and saturated fat than domestic red meats, yet higher in polyunsaturated fats. Roe venison is milder in flavour and finer in texture than red deer venison, which is why many regard it as top of the range game and a good introduction to venison.

Scoland’s Roe deer seasons Buck: Apr 1 – Oct 20 Doe: Oct 21 – Mar 31

We shoot like girls – keep up ! When thinking about shooting in Scotland, most people have an image in their heads of men clad in tweed with a Labrador or a spaniel by their side - but a quiet revolution is afoot ! A growing number of women are getting involved in clay pigeon and game shooting and they come from a wide variety of backgrounds. A couple of years ago there weren’t any ladies shooting clubs. You could go along to any of the various shooting ranges throughout Scotland and have a lesson or two, but after that there was very little to help you improve your shooting or meet other people to practice

with. Thankfully things have improved and there are now a few dedicated ladies shooting clubs in Scotland to fill the gap between starting out and competitive shooting. The first club to start was the Scottish Ladies Shooting Club (SLSC). The SLSC was started by Lesley Fleming & Cara Richardson who met at a couple of BASC Ladies Improver Days and BASC Ladies Game Days. They really enjoyed the events and commented that they wished there were other similar events in Scotland for ladies to get together and improve their shooting. BASC’s Donald Muir was present during this

conversation and suggested they do something about it and start a ladies club. Lesley & Cara worked on the idea, with Lesley’s background in Young Farmers providing a framework for club organisation & communications, and the Scottish Ladies Shooting Club was born in December 2013. The club’s aims are straightforward - get more women started & involved in shooting in a supportive environment without breaking the bank ! Attendance at an SLSC event usually costs £45£60, depending on venue, for 50 clays & tuition (less clays and more tuition for beginners/

novices) and includes a sandwich lunch with tea and cake after shooting. Both founders have been delighted with the amazing support they have had from the Scottish shooting community – especially that given by BASC Scotland and Clark Taylor of County Clays of Dunkeld. Shooting grounds around Scotland have been very interested in the club and ladies shooting. Many of the grounds provide discounts to SLSC members to encourage the ladies to develop their shooting skills and shoot more. Shooting grounds such as County Clays in Dunkeld,

Cluny Clays near Kirkcaldy, Rothiemurchus Shooting Ground near Aviemore, Auchterhouse Country Sports near Dundee and Hopetoun Clays near South Queensferry have all hosted SLSC events. Bisley at Braidwood near Selkirk and Cowan’s Law near Moscow hold regular ladies events, which SLSC aim to attend and support. So who shoots with SLSC? The club has now been going for 2.5 years and has a mailing list of over one hundred ladies with a core of regular attendees. Members of the club come from a wide range of backgrounds – artists, teachers, tourist guides, estate agents, dog groomers, office administrators, home makers and self-employed business women. Some ladies have been shooting since they were teenagers, but most have taken up shooting at some

point in their 20s to 50s. Many attendees had never lifted a gun before coming along to a SLSC event, but welcomed the opportunity to try out the sport in a relaxed and friendly environment. Ladies coming along for the first time are placed into groups depending on their skill level to ensure they get the right level of coaching and support. Ladies were asked what they enjoyed about shooting with SLSC and the resounding feedback was the friendly welcome, shooting with other ladies, well organised opportunities to shoot and the fun that they have at club meetings. One of the club’s members, Gail, took up shooting after a knee injury forced her to give up other sports a couple of years ago. Gail is one of the core members of the club and has progressed to

shooting in Scottish Clay Target Association (SCTA) competitions. She recently became a member of the Scottish Ladies Shooting Team and will represent Scotland in the upcoming World Sporting Championship in June. She has just started shooting down the line (DTL) too, and given her recent form, we hope she makes the Scottish DTL team as well ! On 22nd May, SLSC hosted their third annual Scottish Ladies Day at County Clays, Dunkeld. 40 ladies came along to the event and a great time was had by all. The day included a lunch at Dunkeld House Hotel; talk on gun fit by David Burgess, International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) coach; talk on shooting competitively by Shona Marshall, ISSF Coach and Commonwealth Medal

Winner; Beretta and Browning demo gun stand and a 50 bird tutored competition (40/30 bird completion for novices / beginners). Shona Marshall was on hand during the shooting to pass on tips and give pointers on shooting DTL. Outdoor and shooting clothing displays were provided by Nomad UK, Blues and Browns of Perth, Auchterhouse Country Sports, Fife Country and Cluny Guns and Optics. The day finished with a 5 x lady team flush competition, which was won by Val Barr, Sue Valente, Jennifer O’Neill, Kim Stewart and Laura Jelbert (prize of bottle of raspberry vodka liqueur from M&M Whiskies). Top guns in the shooting competition were Gail Barclay, Tracey Clark, Justine Muir, Kim Stewart, Sonia Davies and Lisa Osborne (Shooting lesson prizes donated

by GWCT, Auchterhouse CS, Hopetoun Clays, County Clays and Buchan Field Sport Srvcs). There was also a charity raffle, in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Dundee, which raised over £1000. Many thanks to our main sponsor Quilter Cheviot and the club members and local businesses who generously donated prizes. Ladies of all abilities are welcome to come along to club shoots, which are generally held on the first Sunday of the month – we start with a sandwich lunch, which gives everyone a chance to get to know fellow attendees, shooting is in small tutored groups with tea, cake & conversation afterwards. The monthly clay pigeon shoots are held at a variety of grounds across central Scotland. The club also creates additional events that it thinks its members would enjoy such as simulated sporting days at Hopetoun Estate. Planned for this autumn is an introduction to shooting game day. In

addition the club lets ladies know about other opportunities to shoot such as fun events put on by other clubs or events looking for teams of ladies only or mixed teams to complete in charity shoots. Membership of the club, once you have tried it out and decided it is for you, is £30 per year and unlocks a number of benefits including reduced price lessons, cartridges, clothing and many other benefits offered by the grounds that have supported the club from the very beginning. A number of other ladies shooting clubs are now in existence & are based in different parts of Scotland – Glad Rags & Cartridge Bags, part of JOMM Events in Aberdeenshire, Frock Stock & Barrels based at Roxburghe Hotel Shooting School in the Borders and Thistle Ladies (run by David Burgess) in Aberdeenshire. Thistle Ladies and Scottish Ladies Shooting Club are run as not for profit clubs.

To find out more:

Website: www.scottishladiesshooting.co.uk Facebook group: www.facebook.com/scottishladiesshooting. Email: info@scottishladiesshooting.co.uk Telephone Lesley on 07971 547 826 or Cara on 07771 695 494

Upcoming Scottish Ladies Shooting Club events Sunday 4th September 2016 - Joint event - BASC Scotland Ladies Beginners + Improvers Day - £60 for clays, cartridges, coaching and lunch provided – 10am start for Beginners for a talk on guns, ammunition and the law – 12pm lunch - Commence shooting 1pm - Experienced and Intermediate ladies will shoot with County Clays instructors – Tea / coffee and cake after. Autumn simulated clay day – September 2016 – Hopetoun Clays with Stewart Cumming Sunday 2nd October 2016 - Gleneagles Shooting School - 12:00 light lunch - 13:00 shooting - £60 for 50 clays inc instruction (less clays / more tuition for beginners/novices). Sunday 6th November 2016 - County Clays, Dunkeld - 12:00 light lunch (£5) - 13:00 shooting - £40 for 50 clays inc instruction (less clays / more tuition for beginners/novices). Saturday 3rd December 2016 – SLSC Third Birthday – Shoot during the day – Dinner at night including partners - Format and price being finalised. So, we shoot like girls – come and join us!

The work of the Lowland Deer Network Scotland By Richard Cooke, Chairman, Lowland Deer Network Scotland The Lowland Deer Network Scotland was launched in November 2011 to bring together the many different interests involved in the management primarily of roe deer in low ground situations. These include farmland, woodland and commercial forestry, in and around towns, on development ground, on the national road network and so on. LDNS is made up of the relevant Government agencies, representatives of lowland deer groups (LDGs) of which there are now around 10, representative organisations involved in deer and land use, regional representatives, and individual deer managers. In some cases some of these overlap. The Network has continued to make steady progress during 2015/16 supporting a number of educational, training and public interest events during the year with the focus continuing to move to a more local level. As a result of a decision at the Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM on 27 April 2016, the approach of LDNS has been slightly modified, and while its main 25 strong Committee will continue to meet quarterly there is now an Events Sub Committee promoting, supporting and encouraging the programme of local events and ensuring that funds are allocated as widely and fairly as possible. Objectives of LDNS include supporting collaborative deer management, providing 20

information across the sector and promoting education and training. All of these objectives can be achieved more effectively by local events run by the Network, often in conjunction with other organisations, or through the local lowland deer groups. One

Roebuck

such exercise is the Deer on your Doorstep project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a visual display for public spaces, local community council meetings and appropriate events, to tell the public more about the deer that they increasingly come into contact with and how and why they are managed.

LDNS also produces an annual printed newsletter doubling as an annual report supplemented by a regular E newsletters and updated information on its website www. ldns.org.uk The deer sector in Scotland generally is now in the middle

Lowland Deer Network Scotland of a period of major change with a further Scottish Government review pending in the autumn. Debate in the Rural, Environment and Climate Change Committee sessions at the Scottish Parliament leading up to the passing of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act in March did at least acknowledge that lowland and urban deer management, mainly relating to roe deer, are very different from red deer management in the Highlands. While some unfounded concerns were expressed about effective deer management in the lowlands during those discussions, the point has been well taken at Parliamentary level that a onesize-fits-all approach to deer management in Scotland would be unworkable. The number of LDGs continues to increase and geographical gaps in collaborative management are closing, but these new LDGs will continue to need the support that LDNS is there to provide. Practice standards are generally high and training events are invariably fully booked. An emerging theme is the need for more deer larders. In some areas the lack of available carcass handling facilities may

indeed be a constraint on the level of cull being taken. This point has been made to Government and its agencies and information will be gathered to support the case for public investment so that venison, the market for which is enjoying considerable growth across the UK right now and predicted to continue to do so in the future, can become more widely available particularly at a local level. LDNS receives funding from three public agencies, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and Transport Scotland, as well as a small subscription base. On the basis of an annual plan developed in conjunction with the agencies, additional money has been found for 2016 to support event development and clearly this is evidence that LDNS is recognised as the best available current means of supporting the management of deer in the public interest across the Scottish lowland and the urban fringe. Further information about Lowland Deer Network Scotland is available at: www.ldns.org.uk

Shooting etiquette DOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as a guest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gunâ&#x20AC;? By Chris Farley-West Senior Tutor & CEO, MLE (Scotland) Ltd

Field Sport etiquette is absolutely essential, your manners and behaviour will NOT go unnoticed, so here is a list of important tips to help you enjoy your day out:

!LWAYS CHECK YOUR INVITATION FROM YOUR HOST TO STUDY ANY IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS SHOOT DIRECTIONS NAMES OF OTHER GUESTS DETAILS OF THE %STATE YOU ARE SHOOTING ON AND THE NAME OF THE %STATE ,AIRD AND HIS WIFE !RRIVE IN A TWEED JACKET OR A BLAZER WITH BROWN POLISHED BROGUES

ALL BE MATCHING GREEN JUMPER SMART BRUSHED COTTON SHIRT AND SILK TIE )F COLD THEN A PAIR OF GLOVES .EVER WEAR CLOTHING EITHER TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE AS THIS WILL HAMPER YOUR SHOOTING WHEN MOUNTING THE GUN (AVE YOU GOT YOUR SUITABLE EAR PROTECTORS

)F YOU ARE NOT A COMPETENT SHOT AND A BIT RUSTY ) SUGGEST YOU GO AND HAVE A FEW LESSONS )T S IMPORTANT THAT YOUR INSTRUCTOR TAKES YOU THROUGH A SIMULATED GAME DRIVE AND EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF PEG ETIQUETTE CARTRIDGES PICKING UP DOGS AND NEVER SHOOT AT A LOW BIRD ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS BLUE SKY ABOVE THE trees......

0RESENT YOURSELF TO THE 3HOOT #APTAIN OR +EEPER AND LET HIM KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES IE INTRODUCE YOUR LOADER BY HIS OR HER NAME )F YOU WANT TO WORK YOUR DOG ALSO LET THE +EEPER KNOW 3HOULD YOUR DOG NOT BE STEADY OR PEG TRAINED PROPERLY ) WOULD LEAVE IT IN YOUR VEHICLE FOR THE lRST $RIVERS ALLOWING YOU TO SETTLE AND GET YOUR EYE IN $O NOT SHOUT OR OVER USE THE WHISTLE AT YOUR DOG AS THIS WILL CERTAINLY ANNOY THE OTHER 'UNS IN THE LINE

)F YOU ARE A COMPLETE NOVICE AND THIS IS YOUR lRST OUTING THEN ) SUGGEST YOU TAKE AN EXPERIENCED hLOADERv WHO WILL HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR SHOOT AND HE SHE WHO CAN DOUBLE UP AS YOUR DRIVER SHOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE A DRINK AFTERWARDS

Low ground deer management is also required close to towns and cities

(OW TO DRESS FOR THE PEG .EVER WEAR BRIGHT OR GARISH COLOURS GET IT WRONG AND YOU WILL FEEL AWKWARD ALL DAY -AKE SURE YOU PACK ALL THE RIGHT KIT AND CHECK ON THE WEATHER 7ELLINGTONS ARE A MUST AND CLEAN SHOOT COAT SHOOT VEST A PAIR OF BREAKS MOTIF SOCKS BROGUES CLEAN CAP SHOULD

)T IS IMPORTANT TO NOW MINGLE WITH THE OTHER GUEST GUNS SLOWLY AND IN A HUMBLE MANNER TRY TO AVOID UNNECESSARY CONVERSATION %NJOY YOUR BREAKFAST

!T THIS POINT ./ -/"),% 0(/.%3 TURN THEM OFF AND LEAVE THEM IN YOUR VEHICLE FOR REST OF THE DAY WHILST SHOOTING -ORE OF MY TIPS ON ETIQUETTE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 21

Choosing the right gundog By Stuart Dunn, Gundog trainer and chairperson of the Caledonian Retriever Club

Choosing a gundog pup from the lengthy list of working breeds is not an easy task and many factors need to be considered. Firstly you need to decide what type of dog you need, for the type of shooting you are involved in. Once you’ve decided what breed you want then the search begins. We all want our dogs to be healthy and free from hereditary disease, hence serious thought must be given to blood lines and breeding. Looking for a pup from health tested parents will not guarantee the pup you get will be the next Field Trial Champion, but will help ensure your pup avoids some of the eye problems, hip and elbow problems that can befall many of our working breeds. These ailments are not only debilitating for the dog but very distressing for its owners, not to mention vet bills and expensive medication, for years to come. Finding a pup from health tested parents is difficult, and will be fairly expensive, but look at it as an investment, not a cost, and it may make more sense, so buy the best breeding you can afford. Take time to look around, if possible try to see the parents in action, do they have style, drive, hunting and marking ability, all of this will take time and when you find a litter you like, the decisions don’t get any easier. Decide whether it’s a bitch or a dog you want and remove the ones you don’t want from the litter first, this will stop you from changing your mind half way through the selection process.

Stuart Dunn, gundog trainer

Look for a pup that’s a bit different from the rest, one that’s alert, wants to come to you, one that catches your eye and makes you feel that this is the one for you. When you’ve made your choice, check the pup over looking in particular at its teeth

and jaw confirmation, check the feet and toes and look for any hernias, and skin rashes, coats should be fresh and clean. Also make sure you receive the correct registration paper work, along with any veterinary vaccination certification and remember that from April this

www.calendonianretrieverclub.org.uk 22

year, all dogs must be micro chipped. There’s a lot to look into and consider when buying a pup, but remember they will be with you for the next 10-15 years so make a plan for what you want first, and stick to it, and you may well get what you’re looking for. Good luck!

by Linda Mellor 4HIS SPRING ) HAD THREE TRIPS TO SOUTHERN 3COTLAND )T IS AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY ) DO NOT KNOW VERY WELL AS ) USUALLY DRIVE THROUGH IT ON MY WAY SOUTH OR WHEN HEADING NORTH BACK HOME TO &IFE -Y lRST TRIP WAS TO THE 2AEHILLS ESTATE NEAR ,OCKERBIE FOR A SIMULATED GAME SHOOT WHERE THE BIRDS ARE REPLACED BY CLAY TARGETS 5PON ARRIVAL AT THE SHOOTING LODGE WE WERE GREETED BY /RGANISER &RANK 0EARSON WITH COFFEE AND A HOT BACON ROLL )T IS HARD TO BEAT THAT SORT OF WELCOME ESPECIALLY AFTER THE EARLY START AND DRIVE FROM &IFE 7ITH ALL THE GUNS PRESENT &RANK DELIVERED THE SAFETY BRIElNG THEN WE WALKED TO THE lRST DRIVE BY THE -OLLIN BURN NOT FAR FROM THE LODGE )T WAS A THRILLING START TO THE DAY WITH LOTS OF CHALLENGING HIGH CLAYS 7E WERE IN THE TRUCKS AND FURTHER INTO THE ESTATE FOR TWO MORE PHEASANT DRIVES WITH A STOP OFF IN BETWEEN FOR ELEVENSES )T WAS MY lRST TIME OUT ON A SIMULATED GAME SHOOT SO ) WASN T QUITE SURE WHAT TO EXPECT )F YOU LOVE CLAY AND GAME SHOOTING THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST WAY TO COMBINE THE TWO AND ENJOY IT WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS OR WORK COLLEAGUES 7E HAD THE ADDED BONUS OF SPRINGTIME SUNSHINE AND SPENT MOST OF US SPENT THE DAY WITHOUT JACKETS ON "ACK AT THE SHOOTING LODGE WE ALL TUCKED IN TO A DELICIOUS LUNCH OF LOCALLY STALKED VENISON FROM &RANK A LONG TIME DEER STALKER !FTER CHEESE BISCUITS AND COFFEE WE WERE BACK OUT IN THE TRUCKS TO A DISTANT PART OF THE ESTATE FOR A CHALLENGING PARTRIDGE DRIVE BEFORE lNISHING

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE ON A GROUSE DRIVE WITH SPECTACULAR OPEN VIEWS OF THE 3OUTHERN 5PLANDS 7E DROVE BACK DOWN TO THE SHOOTING LODGE FOR TEA AND CAKES BEFORE EVERYONE DEPARTED FOR HOME )T WAS GREAT FUN WITH LOTS OF SHOOTING FOR EVERYONE 7E HAD THE USUAL GOOD NATURED BANTER OF A SHOOT DAY THE FAMILIAR STRUCTURE OF DRIVES AND LUNCH FOLLOWED BY AFTERNOON DRIVES WITH LOTS OF VARIED TARGETS TO SHOOT )T WAS GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY AND ONLY a PER HEAD 4HE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS EXEMPLARY IT STOOD OUT A MILE &RANK AND HIS TEAM ENSURED THE SHOOT RAN SMOOTHLY AND THEY LOOKED AFTER EVERYONE 4HE ENTIRE SHOOT FROM START TO lNISH WAS A JOY AND ) AM GOING BACK -Y SECOND TRIP DOWN TO THE SOUTH OF 3COTLAND WAS FOR A WEEKEND S lSHING AT 4INTO TROUT lSHERY IN THE #LYDE 6ALLEY

ABOUT MINUTES SOUTH WEST OF "IGGAR 4INTO IS A GEM )T IS RUN BY -UNRO 2EID AND HIS MUM 'WEN )T IS SET IN A PEACEFUL AND SCENIC LOCATION AT THE FOOT OF 4INTO HILL 4HERE ARE COMFORTABLE SELF CATERING COTTAGES ON THE lSHERY AND ,OCHS APPROXIMATELY ACRES EACH ,OCH ,YOCH FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL IS STOCKED WITH RAINBOW BLUE AND BROWN TROUT ,OCH #LEUGH FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL IS BROWN TROUT ONLY 4HERE IS A LOT OF HISTORY IN THE AREA 4INTO HILL IS POPULAR WITH WALKERS AND THE NEIGHBOURING ,OCH ,YOCH FARM WAS WHERE THE lRST #LYDESDALE HORSES WERE BRED IN 4HE lSHERY IS KNOWN FOR ITS QUALITY OF lSHING 4HE LOCHS ARE KEPT VERY NATURAL AND HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL FOOD SO ANGLERS NEED TO @MATCH THE HATCH WHEN lSHING ) MADE THE MOST OF MY TIME THERE BY GETTING

UP FOR A COLOURFUL SUNRISE 4HERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO START THE DAY AND IT IS WORTH MAKING THE EFFORT TO GET UP AND OUT HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE SUN APPEARS AS THE COLOURS IN THE SKY CAN BE RATHER MAGICAL ) STOOD BY THE BANK OF ,OCH ,YOCH WATCHING THE SUN APPEAR OVER THE HORIZON AS EVERYTHING STIRRED INTO LIFE INCLUDING THE TROUT IN THE LOCH ) SPENT THE DAY mY lSHING AND TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS IT IS SUCH A SCENIC PEACEFUL SPOT ) DID SEE SOME BIG TROUT RISING BUT SADLY ) DIDN T CATCH ONE 4HE lSHERY HAS A GREAT REPUTATION AND ) HAVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT THE BIG STRONG MONSTER TROUT LURKING IN THE LOCHS -UNRO HAS ENSURED HE HAS CARRIED ON HIS LATE FATHER S WORK ETHICS IN KEEPING THE LOCHS A HAVEN FOR ANGLERS AND THE lSH 4HE FAMILY RUN lSHERY ARE AMBASSADORS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LIKE 2AEHILLS THEY MAKE SURE YOU ARE VERY WELL LOOKED AFTER ) THINK A WARM WELCOME AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO OUR EXPERIENCES ON ESTATES RIVERS AND LOCHS 4INTO &ISHERY IS NURTURED CARED FOR AND SPOTLESS 9OU COULD EASILY LOOSE YOURSELF THERE FOR A WEEK )T IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND AND EVENING SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS 4INTO AND 2AEHILLS ARE PLACES ) WOULD RECOMMEND WITH CONlDENCE -Y THIRD TRIP WAS TO $RUMLANRIG &ISHINGS ON THE 1UEENSBERRY ESATE YOU CAN READ ALL ABOUT IN THIS SUPPLEMENT

Deer Stalking Fair, Kelso By Brian Lile Deer stalking fair organiser and deer stalker In Scotland we have a naturally recurring resource, producing the healthiest of all meat (including fish and poultry), yet for reasons not clear the marketing and consuming of this product seems to be overlooked somewhat. That resource is wild deer, giving us our venison. It is a very popular meat in other countries, yet here in the UK most is exported or mainly consumed in restaurants. Deerstalking and deer management is a very popular fieldsport and it is gathering interest. Each year we are seeing an increase in participants taking part. The Deerstalking Fair was launched at the Border Union Agricultural Showground, Kelso in the Scottish Borders in 2013. The event showcases the sport, importance of deer management, the latest equipment and best practice regarding introduction to the food chain. It has been run annually at Kelso and has also held one event in England. The event is unique, concentrating solely on deer and deerstalkers. The organisers vowed to only have deerstalking related products there or at least content of relevance and interest to stalkers or those involved in deer management. Several experts in their field from custom rifle makers to master butchers and chefs conduct seminars demonstrating what can be done around deer management and consuming the end product, the venison. In many areas of Scotland deer are often seen as pests because of the conflict they create in forestry management and crop damage. However, they are also a valuable food source and wherever possible should be managed effectively to enhance the good of the existing population but in balance with the environment. Many farmers are delighted to see deer management techniques employed on their land and no doubt also reap the benefits 24

of this rich and tasty source of meat. Hopefully with the wealth of knowledge at the Deerstalking Fair, those wishing to find out more will benefit from a visit and rubbing

shoulders with those involved. The exhibitors and traders, including the British Deer Society, Scottish Gamekeepers Association are all available for open discussion. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very sociable event that sees

those attending return each year. Hopefully if this support continues the Fair will grow and continue for many years to come. www.deerstalkingfair.co.uk

Seasoned shooters For our ‘launch edition’ we talk to Stewart Cumming, Shooting Manager at Hopetoun Clays near Edinburgh, to seek advice on how to stay in the game out of season. Although the game shooting season is closed it’s actually the height of season for clay shooting on Estates like Hopetoun. Their instructors deliver just as many shooting lessons and shooting days in the summer months as they do throughout the game season.

“This is a perfect time for experienced guns to develop their skills ready for the next season but it’s also a great time to teach novice guns or beginners so that they can build their confidence and technique ahead of the autumn” says Stewart Cumming.

“Too many people simply lock their guns away until the next season but if you want to maintain or improve your skills, not to mention taking care of your gun, then you must keep your hand in” Because of Stewart’s success in both national and international clay shooting his reputation has grown significantly and resulted in increased demand for shooting lessons at Hopetoun. Stewart now has a number of regular clients who he coaches for game shooting but also for competitive clay shooting. One of Stewart’s most regular clients has progressed significantly in the past year and after lessons and coaching has recently made it into the Scottish Ladies Sporting Team in her first year of competitive shooting. Whilst lessons for beginners deliver the basics in shooting and are delivered in Hopetoun’s woodland the pro lessons with Stewart are designed entirely with the clients requirements in mind. Every client is spoken to in advance of their lesson to determine everything from the location to the equipment used during their lesson.

The growth in lessons has also led the team to develop a range of gift experiences with gift vouchers proving so popular at Christmas but also for birthdays Hopetoun had to add an online shop for E-Vouchers to cater for demand. The gift range now includes couples shooting lessons and also family lessons. Demand also continues to grow for simulated game shooting on the Estate. Many game shooters remain sceptical about this type of shooting despite it offering a very realistic and challenging day out not to mention providing excellent training for game. “As a game shooter I fully embraced the introduction of simulated game on the Estate back in 2010” says Stewart. “There’s nothing easy about simulated game shooting. The kit we use at Hopetoun is very sophisticated and by using a wide range of clay sizes, speeds and directions many are surprised at just how challenging it can be. I love designing new drives for clients, every day we host is different which is evident in the number of repeat customers we

Stewart Cumming at Hopetoun

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

Seasoned shooters have from shooting clubs and syndicates across Scotland and further afield.” Partridge and pheasant drives on the Hopetoun Home Beat are replicated using clays plus grouse, pigeon and duck can also be simulated to offer greater variety offering a shooting experience that is as close to the real thing as possible. With prices starting at just £90 per person simulated game is also very affordable and a fraction of what you’d pay for game shooting. “When it comes to shooting, talent is talent whether it’s feathers or clays. Shooting clays will always help to develop skills for game shooting. Some of the world’s best clay shooters are also phenomenal game shooters” Stewart’s Top Tips for Staying Ahead of the Game Practice, practice, practice! Don’t expect to lift your gun after a 6 month break and start where you left off. Detect and perfect. Book some shooting lessons to correct

any mistakes from the last season and improve on your technique in advance of the next. Keep in touch. Don’t wait until the next season to get your shooting friends back together. Book a simulated game day and enjoy a day’s shooting, work on your skills pre-season and catch up with all the news. Look after your gun. All guns need servicing regularly to maximise their performance and the summer is a perfect time to ensure your equipment is up to scratch Don’t forget your eyes. All equipment deteriorates with age! Not only your vision impacts on your shooting performance but your eye dominance can change with age too. Hopetoun Clays is located on the Hopetoun Estate located just 12 miles West of Edinburgh. For more information visit www. hopetounclays.co.uk or contact the team on 0131 331 9940 (office hours) or email clays@hopetoun. co.uk One to one lessons delivered by Stewart in Hopetoun’s woodland

Simulated Game high above the Forth Estuary on Hopetoun

Simulated Game Day at Hopetoun

Seasoned shooters

The Man Behind the Gun Stewart Cumming hasn’t always managed a clay business for Hopetoun. He has been at Hopetoun Estate for almost 30 years working predominantly in forestry but during that time he also built

up a successful clay shooting profile with several national and international accolades including 3 years as the Scottish Clay Shooting Team captain. Over time Stewart’s sporting success coincided

Simulated grouse shooting. A lesson in the estate’s grouse butt. Three clays, one gun!

with growing demand in the outdoor activity market which presented a perfect opportunity for the Estate to introduce clay shooting as a new business on the Estate in 2010. As demand continued to grow and Stewart’s sporting success continued he was then appointed full time Shooting

Manager and Hopetoun Clays was officially established in 2012. Stewart has twice finished within the top 10 at the World FITASC Championships, won the Troyfoods FITASC Classic in 2015 and is currently the highest ranking FITASC shooter in Scotland.

Simulated Game Day at Hopetoun

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Fishing the Nith at Drumlanrig With Linda Mellor

Drumlanrig Fishings cover a 10.5 mile stretch of the River Nith on the 85,000 acre Queensberry estate in Dumfries and Galloway. The estate, only 17 miles from the M74, has

The “Doctors Pool” on the Nith

Our group at Drumlanrig Castle

extensive mixed woodlands and is home to an abundance of wildlife and birds. There is a variety of river, loch and coarse fishing available throughout the year.

The estate’s impressive 17th Century Drumlanrig castle is the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry and is one of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in Scottish domestic architecture. The Nith is the largest river in Dumfries and Galloway and has an established reputation for being one of the most productive and varied rivers for salmon and sea trout. It offers great sport for anglers of all abilities and experience and is famous for its backend run and a rather unique type of salmon known as ‘greybacks’. It has different characteristics and has been described as a large, solid and strong fish akin to an early spring fish. The river travels from its source at New Cumnock in Ayrshire running through

Drumlanrig and out to its mouth at the Solway. The salmon season runs from 25th February until 30th November. Over the years the average weight of salmon caught has been around 8lb, although fish over 20lb are not unusual. Grilse can average 4-5lb, sea trout 2lb and grayling 2lb. The sea trout fishing is best in the summer months while the height of the salmon season spans September through to the end of November. Grayling fishing runs from 1st December to 31st March. Comprising of mainly double bank fishing, the river is full of character; it broadens from a rocky gorge into a mainly gravelled riverbed with pools and reaches which provide accessible fishing and easy wading for salmon, sea trout and grayling. This is divided into stretches known as the Nith Linns, The Castle Beats (divided into Upper, Middle and Lower Beats) and the Boatford Beat. In May a group of anglers gathered together for a Ladies fishing event organised by river manager Erin Hunter. The morning started with guests arriving from Fife, Edinburgh and Dumfries to a hearty welcome of coffee and bacon rolls in the estate tearoom. The Castle provided an impressive backdrop for a group photograph before Erin briefed the anglers and the ghillies about the day’s schedule. Afterwards they split up into 3 small groups to fish the lower and middle beats and Slatehouse loch. Each group was accompanied by two ghillies and driven to the beats in estate land rovers. Erin said, “I wanted to put together a ladies fishing day to welcome and encourage lady anglers to the Nith. I feel we don’t do enough for lady anglers and I wish to change that.” Erin joined as the river manager at Drumlanrig for His 29

The Ghillie By Robert White Tay Ghillie

) AM A SALMON lSHING GHILLIE GUIDE ON THE 4AY 0ERTHSHIRE ) AM RESPONSIBLE FOR AND ADMINISTER AREAS OF THE RIVER AT 3TANLEY )T IS A GREAT JOB BUT IT HAS GOT MUCH HARDER OVER RECENT YEARS WITH LESS SALMON RETURNING TO OUR RIVERS DUE TO INCREASING MORTALITY AT SEA OF THE YOUNG lSH 5NDERSTANDING THEIR LIVES AND JOURNEY BACK TO OUR RIVERS REALLY HAS AN EFFECT ON YOU OVER THE YEARS THEREFORE RETURNING THEM BACK TO THE RIVER TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY IS IMPORTANT AND DOING IT PROPERLY IS IMPERATIVE FOR THEIR SURVIVAL )F YOU CAN NOT DO THAT PROPERLY THEN YOU MAY AS WELL KNOCK THEM ON THE HEAD ) HAVE HAD A LOT OF GREAT EXPERIENCES ON THE 4AY OVER THE YEARS CATCHING COUNTLESS SALMON INCLUDING A DAY OF lSH TO MY OWN ROD ON THE mY SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND MY MAIN OBJECTIVE NOW IS TO PUT SOMETHING BACK TO HELP SECURE IT FOR THE FUTURE #ATCH AND 2ELEASE AS THIS HAS BECOME A LARGE PART OF THE JOB IN RECENT YEARS AS WE AS ANGLERS TRY TO PRESERVE STOCKS FOR THE FUTURE ! DEAD SALMON WILL NOT SPAWN )F WE CAN NOT DO THIS ART PROPERLY THERE IS NO POINT IN DOING IT AT ALL !NGLERS ARE POOR HARVESTERS OF A SALMON RUN 30

ONLY ACCOUNTING FOR A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF A TOTAL RUN 4HIS WILL BE EVEN LESS IN A LARGER RIVER SUCH AS THE 4AY BUT WHEN YOU START ADDING UP THE NUMBERS OF SALMON CAUGHT AND A PERCENTAGE OF MAYBE AS HIGH AS NOWADAYS BEING RETURNED THERE ARE A LOT OF EXTRA EGGS PUT DOWN ON THE RIVER BEDS TO HELP KEEP THINGS GOING FOR THE FUTURE 5NDERSTANDING THE lSH AND HANDLING THEM CAREFULLY IS ALL PART OF THE # 2 PRACTICE 7HEN SALMON ARE VERY FRESH AND SILVER THEIR PROTECTION TO HANDLING IS MUCH LOWER SO HANDLING THEM AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE IS PARAMOUNT )F THE lSH IS KEPT IN THE WATER IT IS IDEAL 4HIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY AND LARGE IN MOST CASES BY ANGLERS ON THE BANK AND IN BOATS BUT THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE AND EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE OBSERVED )F YOU DO HANDLE A lSH YOU SHOULD HAVE WET HANDS AS DRY ONES BURN THE SKIN OF THE lSH AND IT WILL INEVITABLE CATCH DISEASE AND DIE )F IN DOUBT ALWAYS KEEP THE lSH IN THE WATER TO MAKE RELEASE EFFECTIVE 4IGHT LINES EVERYONE www.salmon-fishingscotland.blogspot.co.uk

Fishing on the Nith Grace, The Duke of Buccleuch in 2015. A working life on the river is very much a family tradition as Erinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father worked on some very famous beats in Norway and Scotland. He was boatman on Upper Floors beat of the River Tweed in the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Erin said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started my career as a keeper and stalker more than fourteen years ago before moving on to the salmon fishing side of things in 2009 when I had the honour of serving under George Ross MBE, on the Lower Oykel Fishings in Sutherland. I was fortunate enough to be involved in the record-beating season of 2010 when 293 salmon/grilse were caught across the 4 beats and a grand total of over 700 fish landed for the month of July alone. From there I moved to the prestigious Tulchan beats on the Spey under the direction of 4 very experienced ghillies. After time spent as a District Fishery Board water bailiff, I returned to ghillie/boatman duties on the Middle Mertoun beat on Tweed for His Grace, The Duke of Sutherland before taking up my current role.â&#x20AC;? Water conditions were favourable and everyone was keen to set up their rods and to start fishing. Billy Graham, a long standing season ticket holder on the Mid Nithsdale, helped to set up the rods at the Crowbank pool on the middle beat said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nith was never an early spring fishing river, it is usual for the first salmon to be caught late April and into May. This beat fishes well in lower and high water conditions. Big sea trout tend to run quite early and as the year goes on Herling (the local name for Finnock) are caught. It is very characteristic of this type of river. There is a lot of history on the estate, royalty fished here at one point and so did John Profumo.â&#x20AC;? Jimmy started fishing aged 5 and has been fishing the river for 63 years. He pointed over to a spot on the opposite bank and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;See the area over there, just beyond the trees was the site of a class C prisoner of war camp. There were many prisoners kept there and they helped work the land.â&#x20AC;?

Drumlanrig has been very popular with families for many decades. It is a haven for wildlife, a vast number of bird species are seen across the estate, colourful kingfishers dart around water and herons perch like statues along the river banks. Rabbits graze in the quieter locations and roe deer make the most of the remote parts of the estate. In the parkland of Drumlanrig Castle sits the two acre Slatehouse loch, an easily accessed loch and stocked with rainbow trout. It is a good location for families and the wooden jetties are ideal for casting. Erin is keen to see more youngsters taking part and offers a free ticket (call Erin for more details) to all those under 16 years of age. It is a beautiful, tranquil spot nestled into the land, surrounded by rounded and gently sloping grassy banks and mature trees. Two swans fed by the old wooden boat house and a family greylag geese made their way to the water with 7 of their chicks. Sue Macniven and Ian Bell were assisting the ladies with their casting. It had been a productive morning as a number of rainbows were caught including 3 by one lady angler. There is good vehicle access to all the beats. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The start of Nith Linns is very similar to the River Findhorn,â&#x20AC;? said Erin â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is famed for its steep, rocky gorges and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to be part mountain goat to get into the river. The Nith changes at the mid part of the Upper Castle beat with gentle river banks for easy access and wading.â&#x20AC;? At 12.30 the group headed to the Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms in Thornhill for lunch. Drinks, soup and filled rolls were served as everyone chatted about the morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing. 17 year old Finlay Thomson joined the group at lunch. He has recently been gaining work experience on the Nith and is thought to be one of the youngest ghillies in Scotland. He recently passed his car driving test and finished his school exams in preparation for taking up a seasonal ghillie role on the Isle of Lewis. He spent the afternoon ghilling on the lower

Fishing on the Nith beat alongside ghillie Jimmy Morrison. Erin had organised a midafternoon change-over of locations so the ladies had the opportunity to fish in different areas. Casting instructor Sue Macniven from Damsel Fly Fishing was on Slatehouse loch to assist the ladies with their casting. Sue said, “I did have a nice day. The best thing I think about fishing for ladies is that they can perform at least as well as men, they don’t need to rely on strength and it is a great way to unwind and get away from the stresses of work and child care. The Nith is a river of many faces, fast and furious to slow and meandering with always the chance of a fish, even if the salmon and sea trout are not running there are some quality trout and grayling, so a river for all seasons.” It was mid afternoon when, television journalist and

experienced fly fisher, Fiona Armstrong caught a 3lb sea trout at Wee Porters on the Boatford beat. It was a good strong fish, putting up a fight

for more than 20 minutes. Fiona caught it on an 11ft rod with a small shrimp fly. The day ended on 11 rainbows and 1 sea trout.

The Nith is a beautiful river to fish. It makes it way through the Drumlanrig estate offering peaceful and tranquil beats to fish in a variety of water conditions.

Freshly caught rainbow trout

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Cooking with Game With Jimmy and Amanda Graham at Ostlers Close Jimmy and Amanda Graham have run the popular Ostlers Close restaurant in Cupar, Fife, for more than 35 years. They use only the best of local, seasonal produce and are passionate about foraging for mushrooms. They prepare everything themselves and make full use of Scotland’s natural larder. Pigeon with Jimmy’s Chimichurri and potato rosti . This is served as a starter in the restaurant but can be made into a main course by doubling up the quantity of pigeon and serving with either mixed salad or a stir fry of greens and new potatoes.

Breast of Woodpigeon with potato rosti and Jimmy’s Chimichurri Serving for 4 - 6 pigeon breasts 3 large potatoes (rooster or Maris piper) Half onion finely chopped Pinch turmeric and seasoning Rapeseed oil for frying (gives good golden colour for rosti) For Chimichurri half onion finely diced 1 garlic clove finely diced Chilli to taste, we use a slice only as prefer just a suggestion of heat 1 large tomato skinned, de-seeded and fine chopped 1 celery stick chopped Half red pepper finely chopped 1 lemon grated and juice 30g chopped parsley 3 sprigs thyme leaves chopped only 20g fresh marjoram chopped Half tsp cumin seed Half tsp sweet smoked paprika 50 ml each rapeseed oil, olive oil and sunflower oil 25 ml each of cider and white wine vinegar Tbsp mirin for sweetness, add more if you wish Dash balsamic vinegar Mix all, stores well in a jar, lasts for a week in fridge so can be made in advance

Pigeon with potato rosti

METHOD To make rosti, rough grate potatoes, place in a clean tea towel, and squeeze it excess starch. Put into a bowl with chopped onion, turmeric and seasoning. Heat frying pan, add oil, then divide mix into 4 . Fry till crispy, then flip and cook till golden on other side. Place on a baking tray and set aside, can then be put in oven to heat up when serving. Pigeon cooks very quickly, so make sure that pan is really hot before adding little oil. Sear for 2 mins then turn and do the same. Place in a heatproof dish and put in a warm place to rest for 5 minutes before carving to place on top of rosti. Finally top with the Chimichurri . Be generous! Amanda recommends a Negroamaro to drink with the dish. http://ostlersclose.co.uk/

The perfect partner

product focus Classic rifles from CH Haygarth CH Haygarth & Sons are Scotlands oldest Rifle Makers, and they build a range of traditional Highland pattern stalking rifles in the classic Rigby/Obendorf Mauser style using Mauser 98 actions. Their rifles are half stocked in walnut in the classic style with a cheek piece & Monte Carlo comb. Barrels are cut rifled & of 22’’ to 24’’ in length.

The trigger group is fully adjustable for pull weight, creep & over travel. Prices start at £3000.00 + vat for a basic Rifle & there is a long list of available options. Delivery is between 1year & 2 years depending on the specification required, engraving etc. For more information: 01847 851602 www.haygarthguns.co.uk

ATV Dead Rest

Waterproof clothing from Hamra

The piston driven strut allows this ATV gun rack to become an instant, stable shooting rest with just the touch of a finger! The Dead Rest can be mounted on virtually any ATV rack, whether square tubed or round, straightbar or angled and with just a

wrench and the included 8 nuts and bolts. Take your weapon from storage mode to shooting mode faster and steadier than ever with the Dead Rest! Price: £99.99 For more information: www. bushwear.co.uk

Fast-frame thermal imaging spotter from Nightmaster The Hamra range are Hybrid garments, waterproof in the areas you need it and water resistant in areas where breathability is key. What this means in the field is the garments will keep you dry in all but the worst weather and sweat free during high exertion. Intended for movement and active hunting the suit features zippered ventilation and elastic sections to offer unsurpassed movement and flexibility. The jacket has a large game pocket, a host of other useful

pockets, internal draw cords, and a zip detachable hood. The trousers have hand, cargo and rear pockets, multiple zipped vents, elasticated waistband, and an adjustable ankle strap and lace hook. All of these elements add up to make the perfect suit for active hunting in all but the worst weather. Jacket: £174.99, Trousers: £139.99 For more information: www. bushwear.co.uk

The SEEK Reveal XR30 is a fast-frame thermal imaging spotter. It’s palm-sized, lightweight and ideal for spotting animals and finding shot game or quarry during the day or night. It features various thermal colour modes, has an internal rechargeable battery (giving 10-hours continuous runtime) and the ability to take snapshot images and record them to the supplied memory card. A bright, built-in LED torch is also included, making the SEEK a great companion for all types of hunting.

Price: £419.95 For more information: www.nightmaster.co.uk 33

product focus Curtainmesh from Entwistle Guns

This camouflage netting is tough, non-tangle, non-absorbent, very compact when folded, light and easy to see through from close up. From a few yards away, all the quarry sees is the net. A pigeon shooter’s dream!

RRP £9.50 per linear yard x 5’ width inc vat Plus P&P (£3 up to 4 yards and £12 for anything over that) For more information: 01772 718048 Email: shoot@entwistleguns.com

Flugz Advanced Hearing

Brand new to the UK market, Flugz advanced hearing protection will change the way you use, buy and think about reusable earplugs. Founded on an innovative and user-friendly moulding system, the Flugz are heated in a microwave for 40 seconds until flexible, then placed in your ear canal to

mould perfectly to your unique contours. This ensures a perfect fit to block harmful sound waves from reaching your eardrum and makes the plugs exceptionally comfortable to wear all day. Price: £24.99 For more information: www. bushwear.co.uk

Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX

Hawke launches flagship range, Frontier

Hawke has launched their new range bringing them to a new level of optical performance and securing itself as a premium optical manufacturer. The new range includes four riflescope variations, with an LR Dot or TMX reticle in either 2.515x50 or 5-30x50 models. The hallmark of the Frontier line is the precision engineered optical system with index matched lenses. It is easy to see the quality with exceptional clarity throughout the field of view and crisp image transmission. The 6x optical system provides flexibility when transitioning between close and long range shooting. Other features demonstrating the exceptional 34

quality include the 21 layer fully multi-coated optical system and glass etched reticles with 11 step red illumination. Chief Executive, Stephen Walker, said: “This exceptional engineered range will really set Hawke apart. We have worked hard to design the flagship range but still maintain our roots as an innovative, quality, value for money optical manufacturer. We have become the kind of company that can compete with top-level optical manufacture but still stay true to our values”. Prices range from £499.99 to £549.99 For further information on the range: www.hawkeoptics.co.uk.

Joining the Kawasaki MULE fleet, the PRO-DX has a fuel capacity of 30 litres and bright headlights are complemented by auxiliary LED lamps to ensure users can use in a variety of weathers and light conditions. It features electrically selectable 4WD and rear differential lock, digital instrumentation, electric power steering and tilt steering wheel. It features electrically selectable 4WD and rear differential lock, digital instrumentation, electric power steering and tilt steering wheel.

The PRO-DX has a long, flat cargo bed – the largest in the MULE fleet - which is easy to load from three sides, making it the workhorse of choice for customers who need to haul material. The cargo bed is gas-assisted too. It has a dry weight of under 816kg which enables access to most weightrestricted areas. For those users who require a machine to tow – the PRO-DX has a towing capacity of 907kg. Priced at £11,129 For more information: www. kawasaki.co.uk

TRUSTACH SHOOTING SUPPLIES Julian McHardy established Trustach Shooting Supplies Ltd in October 2015. He retains the UK dealership of Caledonian cartridges which he has had through 2 previous companies he has worked for – Cairngorm Sporting Supplies and Caledonian Cartridge Company. Selling Caledonian cartridges remains the core business of Trustach Shooting Supplies but over and above that Julian is a main agent for AYA guns, Louis Lejeune car mascots and Swarovski optics. He also keeps a large stock of rifle ammunition and a variety of useful and different shooting accessories. Trustach SS will deliver cartridges direct to your door – usually on a 2 day service and you can even order them via his website www.trustachshootingsupplies. Trustach SS are based in the heart of Royal Deeside and you are always made very welcome if you drop in to them. They are open 5 days a week 8.30 – 5.00.

SWAROVSKI Z8i