National Shooting Show Preview Is Scotland ready for Lynx?
Waking up to venison
The Natural Environment Bill
Article
Staying ahead of the curve
Deer Management
Don't forget people and jobs when delivering deer management changes
Habitat & Species Protection
Changes to General Licenses for 2025
Gun dogs with Stuart Dunn
Scottish Country Life with Jake Swindells
The Ghillie Bob Whyte is hoping for another good salmon season
Cooking with Game Wendy Blair's Argyle Venison Casserole
Now that we have managed to bring back our Shooting Scotland title after 5 years off due to a certain pandemic, it is truly humbling to have the backing and support of everyone who has contributed to this issue, be it with editorial content and/ or advertising placement.
Everyone I have spoken to have been so very encouraging, that I would like to thank you all.
Of course, we are still in the early stages of our Shooting & Fishing title ‘come-back’, but Christina and I now see a great future ahead where we can support and promote this side of our rural life in Scotland in addition to, and complimenting the farming community as represented with Farming Scotland Magazine.
After five years away, we have re connected with agencies who hold our natural and native lands in their protective hands. Going forward, we will build on this, and create a platform where the rural lifestyle story can be told – from the perspective of those who actually live it.
At the same time, we will hold our government to account in Scotland and throughout the five nations.
Shooting Scotland Magazine and Farming Scotland Magazines are both on your side!
Slàinte, Athole.
Is Scotland ready for Lynx?
Don't forget people and jobs when delivering deer management changes - by Tom Turnbull, Chair, ADMG
With Stuart Dunn, Caledonian Retrievers Club
Changes to General Licenses for 2025 - by Felix Meister, Advisor, GWCT Scotland
With Jake Swindells, Scottish Countryside Alliance
Bob Whyte is hoping for another good salmon season
A few gift ideas maybe?
Scotland’s first flagship country sports tourism conference set to bring together sector leaders
Country Sport Scotland is proud to announce the inaugural Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference, set to take place on Friday, 2nd May 2025, at Blair Castle, Perthshire.
This flagship event will bring together estates, sporting providers, tourism businesses, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of Scotland’s thriving country sports tourism industry.
The conference will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration, offering expert-led keynotes, industry discussions, and handson workshops tailored to those involved in Scotland’s country sports tourism sector.
With Scotland being a worldrenowned destination for activities such as deer stalking, fishing, and game shooting, the event aims to strengthen and promote the economic and cultural significance of country sports tourism.
As the leading resource for country sports tourism in Scotland, Country Sport Scotland connects visitors with world-class sporting experiences, from deer stalking in the Highlands to goose-shooting along Scotland’s coasts, driven game shooting on renowned estates, and exceptional fly fishing on Scotland’s famous rivers.
As highlighted in the Value of Shooting report, the sector contributes £340 million in direct value and £760 million in total impact annually to Scottish economy, generating 270,000 trips and 910,000 visitor nights while supporting 4,400 full-time equivalent jobs. Shooting alone provides an additional £177 million in environmental, health, and foodrelated benefits in Scotland.
With strong demand from the UK, Europe, and North America, the sector has significant growth potential, particularly in high-end markets. To ensure Scotland fully
capitalises on these opportunities, the conference will also explore ways to position the country as a world-class destination for fieldsports.
The conference will feature keynote speeches from industry leaders, panel discussions on current challenges and opportunities, and afternoon breakout sessions covering key topics such as marketing strategies and business development.
This event is organised by Country Sport Scotland (owned and operated by Scotland’s largest shooting and conservation organisation, the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC)), as part of its mission to support and promote Scotland’s country sports sector.
Kirk Norbury, Project Manager of Country Sport Scotland said:
“This is a significant step forward for Scotland’s country sports tourism sector. Our industry
plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies, attracting international visitors, and preserving Scotland’s sporting history.
“By bringing together experts, businesses, and providers, we can ensure that country sports tourism remains a sustainable and thriving part of Scotland’s visitor economy.”
Peter Clark, Scotland Director of BASC said:
“Scotland showcases the very best of sporting tourism, with a worldwide reputation of warm hospitality and the very best of experiences.
“BASC was delighted to take on board Country Sport Scotland last year, and we have seen this organisation go from strength to strength since this acquisition.
“This inaugural conference will bring the brightest and the best in the sector to champion a way forward for Scotland’s worldrenowned sporting sector”.
SSAFA Borders clay shoot on target for April 27
For the fourth year in succession, the Borders Branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has organised a clay shoot at Bisley at Braidwood to support of veterans and serving personnel, and their families, in the area. Now an established and muchanticipated diary date, the 2025
shoot takes place on Sunday, April 27 starting at 9.45am with shooting commencing at 10.30am.
Bisley at Braidwood –overlooking the Eildon Hills – is described as the largest and most comprehensive sporting clay shooting layout in Scotland, and the
charity shoot for SSAFA promises to be a blast for experienced guns and novices alike.
The charity shoot in aid of SSAFA has been organised by Borders branch fundraisers John Currie and Jane Dickson.
John, a retired major late The King's Own Scottish Borderers,
said: “Our clay pigeon charity events have everything you need for a truly memorable experience, from the clay shooting right through to delicious lunch and auction of donated prizes.
“With a relaxed atmosphere and excellent catering, your team will be looked after impeccably,
so you don’t have to worry about a thing and can instead concentrate on your shooting and raising money for a great cause.”
Adrian Lucas, chairman of the Borders branch, added: “Our SSAFA Borders Clay Shoot is now a regular fixture in the diaries of teams in the area and from further afield, and it – the local Armed Forces family – is a cause they’re as dedicated to supporting as we in SSAFA are.
“But we couldn’t do this without the hard work from John and Jane in the branch. It was their effort and alacrity that made the day such good fun. Many thanks also to the Bisley at Braidwood team for its outstanding and continuing support.
“However, while fun, these fundraising events are crucial to our work. They enable us to can carry on what we’ve been doing for 140 years this year, because we believe that no-one in the Armed Forces community – regardless of ship, regiment, or squadron, old or young, serving or retired – should never have
to face struggles and battle them alone.”
Teams of four can register for the seven sporting stands, Pool Shoot, and 60-clay Team Flush for just £360 (£90 per person), which includes a breakfast roll, a buffet lunch, a prize draw, and cartridges.
John added that there are still opportunities for businesses or individuals to sponsor the event or a stand, or to donate a prize for the draw to take place after the shoot on April 27.
To learn more about SSAFA Borders, or to discuss entering
a team or sponsorship, contact John on 07810 486337 or john. currie@borders.ssafa.org.uk.
The 2025 Clay Shoot for SSAFA takes place at Bisley at Braidwood, Midlem, near Selkirk, TD7 4QD (off the B6453).
Appeal for urgent rethink by government on deer management proposals
Land-based businesses, estates, gamekeepers and stalkers across Scotland have appealed to the Scottish Government to reconsider its approach to deer management, warning that proposed policies could jeopardise rural livelihoods, biodiversity, and Scotland’s natural heritage.
Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, said that an urgent pivot in direction is required for deer management to be more effective.
Speaking after a parliamentary evidence session before the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee,
SLE said government should work to enable deer managers through incentives coupled with proportionate regulatory powers and appropriate legal safeguards for landowners.
The organisation said the forthcoming Natural Environment Bill presented a crucial opportunity to chart this path – but that this would require Scottish Ministers to engage effectively with private deer managers who are responsible for 80% of the annual cull.
Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Significant
progress has already been made in tackling deer impacts through collaboration—particularly via deer management groups and, more recently, through initiatives like the award-winning Common Ground Forum. This progress –predicated on finding consensusshould be acknowledged and built upon, rather than disregarded.
“A purely regulatory approach to deer reduction could have unintended consequences. Disproportionate regulatory powers may disrupt deer management already taking place, as well as putting at risk other land management practices,
and employment in the rural economy.
“Fixating on reducing a contested national population figure of one million deer is, to quote NatureScot, “misleading and unhelpful”. The focus should be on local and regional impacts instead.”
Mr Ewing appealed for the Scottish Government to address lowland deer management and also to work with land managers and utilise their experience in deer management to design policies fit for the future.
Ross added: “Lowland deer management looks set to
be overlooked yet again in the forthcoming Natural Environment Bill, which is a major concern for many within the sector. We need an urgent rethink to enable lowland deer management through improved collaboration, incentives, and investment in community infrastructure such as larders and chillers.
“Any future regulatory powers need to recognise that deer are not the only barriers to nature recovery—all herbivore impacts must be considered. Proposals to compel deer culls on the basis of ‘nature recovery’ alone are likely to be legally and practically flawed. We would appeal to the Scottish Government to work with those who understand the realities of deer management rather than impose ill-conceived top-down policies.”
Deer managers hail decision not to change seasons
Relief at avoiding culls of heavily pregnant hinds
Scotland’s deer managers yesterday hailed Scottish Government’s decision not to alter the female deer seasons, saying professionals will be spared the mental torment of culling heavily pregnant hinds.
Scottish Government consulted on whether to extend the female culling season which would have added six weeks to the end of the current open season and three weeks to the start.
The change was one of 99 recommendations made by the 2020 Deer Working Group report, which reviewed deer management laws and practices in Scotland.
However, deer management professionals in the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) campaigned against the change, saying it would impact the mental wellbeing of professionals.
Culling up to 31st March, they said, would mean deer managers having to shoot females which could be up to three quarters of the way through their pregnancy.
They would then have to remove large calves from the mother whilst carrying out routine gralloching (opening) of animals for the food chain.
The SGA claimed that this prospect revulsed consulted members and the representative body met with Ministers and other MSPs, cross-party, to seek a stop to the proposal.
They were joined in their campaign by Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust, a charity providing mental health and financial support to professionals and their families in land and river management.
On Tuesday, Rural Affairs Minister Jim Fairlie announced that Scottish Government would not be changing the female deer open season, having listened intently to deer stalkers on the ground.
Responding to a Parliamentary question by Highlands SNP MSP Emma Roddick, he said the Government believed the female deer cull could be undertaken within the current season, with authorisations remaining available for out of season culling, when required.
“Following consultation with stakeholders, I have concluded that, in most cases, the cull levels required to reduce the overall deer population to support nature and climate objectives can be achieved within existing deer seasons.
“Where it is necessary to cull outwith existing seasons, there will continue to be the ability to apply to NatureScot for authorisations. In coming to this decision, I have taken careful note of the potential distress caused to many stalkers by being required routinely to shoot heavily pregnant female deer and I have decided against
any wider change to the timings of the female close season.”
Yesterday the SGA welcomed the ‘common sense’ decision by the Minister, saying that having the buy-in of professionals would be essential to meet higher culls in future.
“We are really pleased at this announcement. We met with the Minister, and others, and relayed our members’ fears over the proposal. Everyone we spoke to didn’t want to be in situations where culling heavily pregnant animals and removing large calves was to be normalised in Scotland.
“Deer managers have a difficult job to do and they are not uncaring people. They are humans with feelings and families, lime other professionals, and they respect their quarry.
“Had this gone through, it would have demoralised them. That would have been counterproductive because these highly trained professionals are going to be needed more than ever, if Scotland is to meet its nature and biodiversity goals.
“This is a victory for common sense and listening,” said SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg, MBE.
Is Scotland ready for lynx?
The abandonment of four apparently tame lynx in the Cairngorms National Park in January was universally condemned as irresponsible. Nobody except the perpetrators knows why these animals were dumped in the manner they were, with no apparent regard for the local community or the welfare of the animals. However, the fear has long been that impatient individuals might bypass the law and release lynx back into Scotland by clandestine means. Hopefully, the message has now got through that unsanctioned releases are not the way to reintroduce missing species in the modern era. But that message was swiftly undermined when Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, dismissed hopes
Photographs
Rewilding
of an official reintroduction out of hand at the recent NFU Scotland conference in Glasgow, saying his “government will not be reintroducing lynx.” Swinney referenced a need to “balance” food production with action to address the nature and climate emergency, playing one against the other as if food production didn’t depend on nature and a stable climate.
Swinney’s justification was disingenuous at best, since lynx would pose no threat to Scotland’s food security. It’s true that lynx might kill a small number of sheep, but never enough to threaten our nation’s food security. After all, Scotland produces a large surplus of sheep meat and exports nearly as much as it eats. How many sheep does
John Swinney imagine lynx might eat from the millions roaming our landscapes? Even in Norway, where sheep losses are orders of magnitude higher than any other country in the world, the national flock has been increasing alongside a thriving lynx population.
John Swinney should also note that a growing majority of the Scottish public are now in favour of a lynx reintroduction, with nearly two in three expressly supporting the lynx’s return and only one in eight opposed. If there was a referendum tomorrow, the mandate for a reintroduction could hardly be clearer. And yet, while a shrinking minority of Scots remain opposed to lynx reintroduction, their perspective must still be recognised, their
rights upheld, and their interests given due consideration. That must be the focus of future consultations – to examine the feasibility of different reintroduction proposals, to identify what hardships and costs people might incur, and to explore how any problems might be avoided or mitigated.
Certainly, a lynx reintroduction would generate costs, including the possibility of disruption to shooting activities, interruptions to forestry operations and, very likely, some loss of livestock. But lynx would also generate benefits, enriching the natural environment and our experience of it, while also boosting tourism revenues.
Indeed, an analysis from Germany’s Harz Mountains,
where lynx have recently been reintroduced, suggests each lynx has generated around £200,000 per year for the local economy. While we refuse to reintroduce lynx in Scotland, our rural communities are being denied that boost, an opportunity cost under-acknowledged by those who oppose reintroductions.
The problem with wildlife cost-benefit trade-offs, common the world over, is that those who bear the greatest costs of coexistence often receive the fewest benefits. To address this, we need a system that redistributes more of these financial gains to those most affected. While the details of how such a system might operate for lynx in Scotland are yet to be determined, similar approaches in other countries provide useful models, and Scotland has an opportunity to learn from this global experience, designing a system tailored to our needs, shaped through public consultation and continuous refinement.
Public consultations attract disparate opinions and often require decision-makers to balance competing interests without offering any one group a veto or disproportionate influence. But they are also necessary, and while it’s true that ‘unofficial’ releases helped lynx become re-established in Switzerland in the 1970s, contemporary conservationists better understand the importance of community consultation and the need for public support ahead of reintroductions – especially when considering an apex predator like the lynx.
Some who oppose lynx reintroduction argue that no measure of compromise is acceptable and no level of loss tolerable. But we should be clear about the choice we face: we either support the complicated and sometimes uneasy business of coexistence with wild animals, or we endorse their extermination and absolute exclusion. If countries like Uganda or Sri Lanka, with much higher human population densities and lower GDPs than our own, can coexist
Rewilding
with leopards or even lions, it’s hard to argue that we couldn’t live with a medium-sized cat like the lynx.
The challenge is to find a way in which a lynx reintroduction can be managed fairly. Illegal releases benefit no one, stripping local communities of any say, alienating potential supporters and undermining broader conservation efforts. But ignoring the impact of the lynx’s absence and blocking reintroduction hopes is equally harmful. Without these animals, our ecosystems are fundamentally impoverished, and our lives are deprived of the wonder and joy that only such charismatic animals can provide.
Nor is their return only about restoring health to our natural systems or enriching nearby nature, creating opportunities for more people to enjoy inspiring wild experiences in our naturedepleted country. It is also about the example we set for the wider world, as either a country that is genuinely committed to nature restoration, or a nation that is hostile to nature and exceptionally intolerant of wildlife. After all, how can we expect other countries to
conserve their wolves or tigers, their elephants or rhinoceroses, if we refuse to coexist with even a humble lynx? Do we want to live in a world rich with wildlife, or not?
One farmer I spoke to on this issue expressed his fears that releasing lynx could exacerbate what he described as a culture war, worsening relations between those who claim nothing except nature matters and those who act as if only food production counts. Certainly, if we get this wrong, that divide will only deepen. But make no mistake, ignoring popular sentiment and blocking the lynx’s return without a proper public debate will be just as divisive. It’s critical we get this right. The only way forward is through compromise. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.
SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is part of the Lynx to Scotland partnership, along with Trees for Life and the Lifescape Project. Lynx to Scotland is working to return lynx to the Scottish Highlands through a carefully managed reintroduction.
Over 50% of our total support in the UK is carried out in Scotland, whether through Jamies’ Helpline for advice, a listening ear and help, in the job, out of the job, health, housing, relationships, redundancy or retirement.
With a busy schedule of events this year, we look forward to catching up with gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their families along the way. This is an excellent opportunity to explain how we can help and what we do and thank our wonderful supporters.
It is also an opportunity to offer our support on the spot. Health Checks for anyone coming along; only takes a few minutes, no appointments required and a card to take away with results. An MOT check with other benefits too as our GWT nurses are on hand to chat about any
concern and follow up calls if required. Almost 900 health checks were given last year and several serious health problems averted as a result. To make the most of our lives we owe it to ourselves to remain as active and as healthy as we can for as long as we can, whether we are young or more mature in age.
Our Housing and Benefits Officer, Gillian is on hand to offer practical advice and is available at any reasonable time to call and assist in any financial or housing issue. This is not just in retirement and later life but might be because of a change of career or in the job.
The Check in with a Mate campaign continues and for anyone is a great way to keep in touch, check in with that friend you haven’t seen for a while don’t forget those closer to us who may appreciate a blether.
deer management
Decision makers urged not to forget people and jobs when delivering deer management changes
By Tom Turnbull, Chair, the Association of Deer Management Groups
ADMG’s member Deer Management Groups (DMGs) cover three million hectares of the Highlands. Through voluntary collaborative working they deliver deer management at little cost to government. Change is happening however, and deer management is now considered in the light of the climate and biodiversity crises and the public interest. The Natural Environment Bill will undoubtedly increase pressure on deer managers to deliver more through new legislation and increased regulation. In the Highlands reliance is placed on some 50 voluntary DMGs to undertake collaborative deer management, helping to deliver ambitious targets for biodiversity and climate change. Collaboration across landscapes should be nurtured. Care should be taken to ensure that those people tasked with delivering
targets are recognised for the work they undertake.
A recent report from the James Hutton Institute commissioned by Scottish Government Enabling landscape scale management in Scotland highlighted the need to incentivise and support DMGs as relevant examples of collaborative working in the Highlands. The importance of collaboration and the need for deer managers to work together is understood in the sector, but many of the men and women tasked with delivering these important targets feel overlooked.
Deer management is a tough, unrelenting job requiring long hours in often difficult weather and conditions day after day. It’s not a job for everyone, but those doing it are rightly proud of their work and its heritage. These are highly skilled, motivated people dedicated to the task
because of the affinity they have with the landscape and the deep understanding they have with deer.
Whilst I am sure that they will continue to deliver, we must not overlook the fears that exist in the sector. As deer numbers are reduced through regulation and increased pressure, many practitioners feel there is a real threat to their jobs in the short to medium term. Income derived through deer management will potentially reduce too but employment and business security for deer management is absolutely vital through this period. Across Scotland 80% of the deer harvest is undertaken by the private sector with very little financial support. With peatland restoration, and woodland creation and protection all relying on deer management, consideration must be given to incentives and support for
the people and jobs critical to delivering this change.
A ‘just transition’ is something we hear a lot about and it is important to reassure and support our deer managers as they are pushed to reduce deer numbers to ever lower levels. As habitat improves and tree planting targets are reached one thing is certain, in the long term we will need a motivated and inspired deer management sector. Scottish Government support for the next generation of deer managers and remote rural communities is needed now to ensure that we have that resource and capacity in place to deliver deer management in the future.
Venison, the outstanding product of deer management should also be supported. It should be on the menu in schools and hospitals. As an organic, sustainable and healthy protein it should not be a hard sell, and we have to promote it to a wider audience. Scottish Government has a role to play here too.
With the introduction of the Natural Environment Bill, strong feelings and concerns are coming to the fore in the sector, change should be encouraged and nurtured and those tasked with undertaking deer reductions must be valued. We need to support deer managers and stalkers in their jobs, and incentivise deer management and the venison sector and this will deliver results - for climate change, biodiversity recovery, rural communities and the rural economy.
This article was first published in Holyrood Magazine 13 January 2025
Red Deer
We should all wake up to venison - a natural, sustainable resource that’s on our doorstep
By Sophie Gault, Assistant Stalker, Ben Alder Estate
I’ll never forget the day I cooked my first piece of venison. I was lucky enough to be given a hind carcass from my manager at the time, to work on my butchery skills. After breaking it down I found myself with a freezer full of venison and no clue how to cook any of it. I didn’t grow up eating venison or any wild game, unless it was on a menu in a restaurant. Taking a part of the loin - a cut of meat from the back of the animal known to be extremely tender - I began to ponder what to do with it. Recipe books, YouTube tutorials and tips from top chefs on websites were bombarding me with elaborate recipes for glazed, flambéed venison etc. Instead of overcomplicating it,
I oiled a frying pan and brought it to a high heat, seasoned the loin with salt and fried it evenly until browned on all sides and cooked to what I hoped would be medium rare. I rested it for five minutes, eagerly and somewhat nervously waiting to try it. I cut the loin straight down the middle and, to my relief and utter excitement, it was a perfect pink medium rare. The taste was better than any steak I’d ever had, and I couldn’t believe I had just cooked it!
Taking into consideration the low fat content of venison, it is easier to overcook compared with other red meats. It is also very easy to overcomplicate cooking venison, and you can
simply use it as an alternative in many regular dishes at home. For example, meals including bolognese, curry and fajitas can all be made using venison with no difference in timings or process to your usual recipe. Locking in the moisture is key to keeping that flavour and tenderness that venison is known for. Sauces and marinades are always a welcome idea when it comes to venison, and I am certainly fond of a whisky sauce!
Venison is lean, high in protein, nutrient dense, and high in omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin B6 and B12 that are vital for brain health and energy production plus very low in sodium. Research shows
wild venison is higher in iron that any other red meat. Given the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in the UK, this makes it, in my eyes, the healthiest red meat option available to us. Scottish wild deer are selfsustaining. Once shot, it takes minimal transportation and fuel emissions for the carcass to reach the game dealer for processing, or increasingly often is processed locally. Wild deer in Scotland aren’t owned by anyone, they exist in our environment, need to be sustainably managed to maintain natural habitats at an appropriate density and therefore we should be developing ways to make every use of this exceptional asset, particularly in the light of the imminent Environment Bill Venison must become more mainstream, talked about in a more natural way, and not approached as a luxury or to be wary of cooking. Thousands of children rely on meals every day through our education system, so picture this - multiple schools up and down the country, consistently supplied with the healthiest red meat Scotland can provide, wild venison. No additives, no nasties just packed with protein and all the necessities for growing children. Not only does this make use of a key, natural, sustainable resource but also allows the education system to embrace much-needed reality about where our food comes from and the conservation efforts implemented daily by the dedicated practitioners that
Venison stew
are so often overlooked. Wild venison, from wild Scotland.
This article was first printed in Holyrood Magazine 27 January 2025
Sophie Gault studied for a National Certificate in Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management at North Highland
College, Thurso, also working as a placement student deer ghillie with NatureScot on nature reserves including Isle of Rum NNR and Creag Meagaidh NNR alongside her studies. She has worked as a seasonal ghillie in Glen Etive whilst also spending time as a ghillie on the River
Etive. Employed as a seasonal deer ghillie at Ben Alder Estate, she became full time and has been working as an Assistant Deerstalker there for four and a half years.
Venison platter
Venison sausage
The National Shooting Show: A Celebration of British
Field Sports and Conservation
The National Shooting Show is a true highlight in the British shooting calendar. As the premier event for shooting enthusiasts, land managers, gamekeepers, and countryside custodians, the show brings together the best of the industry in a showcase of tradition, innovation, and conservation
A Show for the Entire Shooting Community
The National Shooting Show is designed to celebrate all aspects of shooting sports, from game and clay shooting to rifle marksmanship and pest control. With a strong emphasis on education, sustainability, and responsible shooting, the event provides a unique platform where professionals, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike can explore the latest developments in the field.
Taking place over two actionpacked days, the show features exhibitors offering everything from shotguns, rifles, optics, and ammunition to country
NATIONAL SHOOTING SHOW
clothing, accessories, and specialist equipment. In addition to the trade stands, visitors can experience a wide range of demonstrations and interactive experiences designed to enhance their skills and knowledge. The event offers the chance to fire a gun, whether testing their aim on the clay line with E.J. Churchill or trying out the indoor airgun ranges, making it an unmissable event for shooting enthusiasts of all levels.
The Latest Innovations in Shooting and Field Sports
One of the major highlights of The National Shooting Show is its focus on innovation. Our incredible line up of exhibitors, including leading manufacturers and retailers, will be on hand to showcase the latest advancements in firearms technology, ammunition performance, and shooting accessories. The event provides a one-stop shop for everything you need, plus bag a bargain with show only deals!
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to try out new products on the clayline where you can have a go at shooting with a range of different guns. This hands-on experience ensures that attendees can make informed decisions when investing equipment, with expert guidance available from exhibitors and industry professionals.
Conservation at the Heart of the Event
Shooting sports and conservation go hand in hand, and The National Shooting Show places a strong emphasis on sustainability and wildlife management. With The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) as a key sponsor, the event highlights the vital role of responsible shooting in conservation efforts. Attendees can engage with BASC and other key organisations to learn about best practices in land management, habitat preservation, and how shooting contributes to maintaining balanced ecosystems.
Bring your children along and get them involved in the Scavenger Hunt and Bird Box Making—fun, hands-on activities designed to educate the next generation about wildlife, conservation, and the importance of caring for natural habitats. These interactive experiences will inspire young minds and help instil an appreciation for the countryside and its wildlife.
Meet the Experts and Learn from the Best
For those new to shooting, the event provides a welcoming environment to gain handson experience and learn from qualified instructors. Whether it's clay shooting, air rifles, or rifle shooting, beginners will have the chance to develop their skills under the guidance of professionals in a safe and controlled setting.
The BASC Hunter’s Kitchen is a must-visit, offering a fascinating journey from field to fork. Watch expert-led deer butchery demonstrations and live cooking sessions by top game chefs that turn nature’s larder into mouth-watering meals. You’ll leave with fresh ideas on how to make the most of wild and sustainable ingredients.
A Hub for Country Lifestyle and Heritage
Beyond shooting sports, The National Shooting Show celebrates the wider countryside lifestyle that is deeply connected to field sports. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, from gundog competitions and falconry displays to country cooking. Make sure to watch the gundog demonstrations by Mordor Gundogs to see the incredible skill, discipline, and training that goes into producing top-class working dogs.
For those who enjoy traditional countryside activities, the show also features handson experiences like archery, bushcraft, and slingshot shooting. Whether testing your aim with a bow, mastering the art of slingshot accuracy, or honing survival skills, these activities provide an immersive way to appreciate the great outdoors.
For those looking to enhance their country wardrobe, the show offers an extensive shopping experience with premium brands showcasing the latest in country clothing, footwear, and accessories. Whether you’re after a new tweed jacket, sturdy boots, or handcrafted leather goods, the show has something for every taste and budget.
Save The Date!
Mark your calendars for the 10th & 11th May and join the shooting community for a weekend of learning, networking, and excitement at The National Shooting Show. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter, a countryside enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the best of British field sports, this is an event not to be missed.
Visit The National Shooting Show website and book your tickets today. BASC Members receive complimentary entry to both days of the event, and can invite guests with 20% off! Book now: www. nationalshootingshow.co.uk
GUNDOGS
As one season ends another one dawns… …its that time of year again!
As the long weary winter gradually subsides into a brighter early spring, and with the game
By Stuart Dunn, Caledonian Retriever Club
shooting season ended, it’s time for a lot of gundog owners and competition handlers to think
about undoing all the bad habits that have manifested themselves during the picking up, beating and shooting season.
Which ever gundog you own, Labrador/Retriever, Spaniel or any of the other minor gundog breeds, we all from time to time create situations which may at the end of a long season require “retraining” to correct any bad habits, or sloppy reactions, that
can usually creep into the dog or handlers control, whether it be not stopping as sharp as it use to, or not taking a right, left or a go back command as well as you would like, these issues can all be corrected with a return to “basics” on the training ground.
February marks the end of the game shooting season, and many gundogs, owners and handlers will give their dogs some “time off” in order to rest, recover and regain condition for a few weeks.
As March emerges, it’s the start of the competition season, with dummies replacing live game as the quarry.
There is numerous Scottish gundog clubs located across the country with most of them running at least one, sometimes two, gundog tests between March and August. Hence there isn’t much time to address any faults that have bestowed themselves before a lot of
Gundogs
handlers are quickly back on the competition circuit.
Training a gundog of any breed to a good level, requires a huge amount of dedication, time and patience, and what works for one dog may not work for another, and the handler must constantly find ways to hold the “student dogs attention”, prevent fear, or boredom, whilst encouraging their dog to love what its doing, with drive, style and passion.
It is still one of the great countryside sights, to see a gundog hunting ground vigorously in search of game, or watch a retriever flying out over grassland, woodland or moorland whilst contending with obstacles such as fences, drystone dykes, ponds and rivers, and returning to their handler and presenting the “prize”, be it a game bird, ground game, or a dummy, right into the owners hand. All of this simply because the dog loves doing it, trusts you, and all for a pat on the head, or a cuddle. It can be quite an exhilarating experience for both the dog, and the handler.
One of the keys to success with your gundog is having a high level of constant control over the dog, hence adherence to basic control, like stopping, going where its asked to go, hunting on command, coupled with marking ability, is essential, all of these attributes can be enhanced with a season in the shooting field, but they can also go wayward too, basic training methods will generally be required for most of us.
Owning any type of dog, far less a gundog, is a big decision not only in time, but also financially, and may involve some life style changes too, so choosing which type of dog you would like to train will depend on many factors, and your own expectations, but whichever breed you decide upon, joining any of the gundog clubs in Scotland, will allow you to gain valuable experience, meet
new like minded people, and be involved in a sport with long standing traditions, which have evolved over the last century and a half, to where they are now.
Scotland has around 16 gundog clubs, some of which offer training classes from beginners all the way through to open standard dogs. The Caledonian Retriever Club of Scotland is one of these, so if your interested in gundogs, training, competitions, or simply like watching dogs competing in some of the most spectacular terrain the country has to offer, then why not visit the club website and find out more about joining the club, being involved, and hopefully start creating some unforgettable memories yourself!!
The Natural Environment Bill
By Kenneth Stephen, The Scottish Gamekeepers Association
At the time of writing, we await the first draft of a new Natural Environment Bill, though by the time you read this it may be with us.
To summarise, this Bill is a Government commitment which still carries some undercurrents from the former SNP/Green pact.
It will undoubtedly be badged as a Bill to supercharge action towards 2030 climate and biodiversity goals.
Some of this should be welcomed, of course, and we can expect support for certain key aspects.
However, Scottish Parliament bills, in recent times, have had
a tendency to go rogue while the legislation passes from Committee to chamber.
It will not be a major surprise if this happens again.
Environmental groups have tended to stray beyond the original scope of several rural Bills in recent times to push amendments around campaign wish-lists.
Mountain hare ‘protection’ was segwayed into a Bill on wildlife penalties and the same legislative vehicle was used to try to prevent the culling of problem beavers, despite farmers and river workers facing headaches and high repair bills.
Expect a few more curved balls this time around and keep your eyes peeled on the future of lead ammunition. This is likely to arise as an amendment to the Bill but it is not as clear cut an issue as some will portray.
Professional wildlife managers in Scotland will always start from the premise that they want to do what is best by the environment and for human health, if they possibly can.
There has been a tendency by some to paint a different picture of land managers but this is incorrect. The vast majority of those you meet want to leave the land they manage better than they found it.
It is a shared aspiration you will recognise if you spend any length of time in their company, Scotlandwide.
What happens, though, when environmental and human health concerns clash with a land manager’s desire to ensure good standards of animal welfare and public safety?
This is one of the key issues to consider if we are to dive headlong into the ban on lead ammunition.
The SGA has just carried out an anonymous survey of deer managers who count night management of deer in forestry as one of their tasks. The survey was revealing.
For the past few years, government agency contracts have stipulated that deer must be shot using copper ammunition. Copper can make it easier for game dealers to market game but there are genuine fears within the professional community.
The clear message coming back to us is that those managing deer in forests at night want the ability to continue to use lead. The key reasons are animal welfare and public and stalker safety.
We heard stories from individuals who have seen copper bullets ricochet back past their own head or the bullets have exited target animals unexpectedly only to wound or kill others in the vicinity.
Imagine if this was a member of the public taking a night stroll through the woods? It really doesn’t bear thinking about and maybe we shouldn’t have to.
There are some issues where public safety has to take priority, especially when there is a greater expectation- in policy- that we manage more deer in Scotland during the hours of darkness.
Deer also need managing close to built-up residential areas
and trunk road infrastructure. If we can’t ensure the ammunition is going to end up where we aimed it, we are walking into a problem arguably bigger than the one we are trying to solve.
Clear heads will be needed on this issue, if it arises in the Bill, and MSPs need to listen carefully to the views of people on the ground who are the do-ers and actors when it comes to improving Scotland’s biodiversity.
Deer will continue to be a major focus of this legislation and expect a hot debate around target deer densities. It is not that long ago that Scottish Government seemed to have taken the message that deer impacts are the nub issue rather than setting arbitrary targets around numbers. You will have many situations where the deer ‘problem’ is highly site specific.
Certain ground can carry relatively high numbers of deer
but still have low damage. Other sites (remember we continue to plant deer habitat) will be browsed heavily with few deer present.
Now the government seem to have done a full u-turn. Maybe it’s because climate and biodiversity targets, themselves, have been framed around numbers. We need x amount of peatland restoration by year x if we are to be considered successful. We need x hectares of new forestry.
Small deer
Forest stag
Now we need x deer density by square km if we are to have this or that.
Government like these types of targets. It helps them answer Parliamentary questions.
“But we’ve planted x amount of this and it shows we are taking the issue seriously’.
Land management doesn’t work within political parameters. Ground, lie, weather, disturbance, soil, drainage, seasonality; all of these- and more- are factors in where deer will move to and what they will do when they get there. Yet, expect this Bill to suggest that, if you are in the Cairngorms National Park, you will be expected to have a lower deer density than across the rest of Scotland.
This aspiration of the Bill will not settle easily.
The land holding in the lowlands that is miles away from achieving the 10 deer per sq km target placed on the rest of Scotland is still likely to get away with doing very little. Yet, the mixed estate within the Park will be expected, by law, to meet a target density of 5-8 deer per square km; lower than everywhere else.
How can this be reconciled?
Unlike the roe deer (which should be the primary focus of this legislation), the highland red deer does not respect a boundary.
One day you will see a few, the next day they are gone. It could be a wind change or a dog walker causing it.
Expect this to be a ‘lively’ discussion. As ever, the SGA will be focused on ensuring its members’ wishes are reflected in the final legislation.
Capercaillie
Staying ahead of the curve
by Miles Montgomerie, Chairman, Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES)
Land managers have never been under more pressure to demonstrate best practice. The Scottish and UK governments today expect land managers to deliver a range of ‘ecosystem services’ which would have been unknown to previous generations. These include creating and supporting habitats and wildlife, contributing to greenhouse gas reduction, providing clean air and water, mitigating climate change hazards such as flooding and wildfire, sustainable food production, job creation and public access to the land for a wide range of leisure pursuits. In addition, there has been a significant focus on the introduction of major legislation affecting the rural sector, notably in relation to land reform, housing and the eleven ‘national outcomes’ set out by the Scottish
government to measure progress towards a ‘wellbeing economy’. ‘Environment’ is one outcome that is particularly relevant.
With increasing scrutiny and ever-evolving legislation, managing land effectively can seem a somewhat thankless task. Many land managers already feel overwhelmed. The shortterm indecision from regulators, delays, and the proposed changes we know are coming, but do not have details on, all add further frustration to an already stressful and uncertain situation. By the time we have finished producing food, and keeping up with the endless tide of paperwork, there is precious little time to do anything else, let alone commit scarce resources to something no one yet fully understands. We are rightfully sceptical of being promised large amounts of money
to sequester carbon, which when I was last in a science class (a wee while ago I admit), would have been classified as a symptom and not a cause. Many of us are also sceptical of expensive baseline studies when, as far as I am aware, no two methodologies produce the same results.
Sadly, gone are the days that we could simply be left to ‘get on with it.’ This is a great shame, as many Scottish landholdings have received significant local and international accolade for their fantastic contributions to the environment and their community, with many others doing what they can with limited resources.
We now find ourselves in a place where our land management practices can make a significant positive contribution to the climate. However, with land reform and the
newly proposed inheritance tax, we no longer know if we are going to be about to see it through. A tree doesn’t grow in a working lifetime and a herd or a flock take years of selective breeding to become established. I challenge anyone to create a pheasant shoot they are entirely happy with without some tweaking over multiple seasons. All of these take time, expertise - often handed down through multiple generations - and resource. Land management is long term. If we can’t plan for the next generation, it will be very difficult to achieve our own goals, let alone those set out by government. In short, I think the vast majority of those working in Scottish farming and field sports are doing a fabulous job. I just think we are not very good at talking about it. This is why I accepted the role of Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) chairman in 2024. I wanted
Pheasants freely roam throughout the estate
to help highlight the good work that environmentally and socially responsible land managers are undertaking.
The WES accreditation scheme recognises best practice and encourages continuous improvement in relation to conservation and biodiversity initiatives, irrespective of land use. It offers an independently assured accreditation, which can significantly assist in the challenge to prove that land is being managed effectively and sustainably. Scotland is one of 19 countries across Europe that operate schemes under the Wildlife Estates umbrella, set up by the European Landowners’ Organization in 2004, and endorsed by the European Commission’s DirectorateGeneral for the Environment. WES has evolved and grown considerably since its inception in 2010, with circa 300,000 hectares of land across Scotland currently accredited under Level 2 of the scheme. A further 855,000 hectares of land have Level 1 status, incorporating
members who are working towards accreditation. All types of landholdings can apply for accreditation.
WES members typically incorporate community outreach and engagement, conservation initiatives and 'best practice' management as a foundation for commercial activities. WES draws on the expertise of pioneering landowners, charities and public bodies through an advisory board, which includes NatureScot, Scotland’s Rural College and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. WES members are engaged in a wide range of activities, from sustainable agriculture, forestry, tourism and leisure, retail, shooting, stalking and fishing, to land that is managed purely for conservation and restoration purposes. A commitment to nature and biodiversity unites them all.
The stringent standards and detailed evidence required for accreditation mean that WES members routinely exceed relevant Scottish and UK legislative requirements, and are increasingly being seen as 'trusted operators'
by the Scottish Government. This collation of information is immensely valuable, not only to demonstrate compliance, but also to assist the landowner in future activity planning. It is clear that the Scottish government increasingly expects landowners to formally document their activities in order to qualify for funding, and also with regard to changes being introduced as part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – which is set to include land management plans for landholdings above an a certain size.
The process of achieving accreditation has proved invaluable for many estates. Their experience has encouraged other landowners to embark on the route to accreditation with greater confidence.
WES also holds forums for members to network, discuss experience and share knowledge,
including an annual assembly and quarterly webinars.
Although WES members are passionate about achieving conservation and biodiversity goals, this conservation work was often conducted under the radar before they became accredited. I suspect this is still the case on many other landholdings. There has never been a better time, therefore, for landowners of all persuasions to promote the excellent work they are doing. Moving towards WES accreditation is one way to do that, with independent assurance proving the conservation gold standard. Please don’t let all your good work go unrecognised.
Email the WES Project Manager, Neil Gunn, at neil. gunn@scottishlandandestates. co.uk to understand if WES is relevant for you, and for information on how to start the process.
Miles’ own cattle grazing on the Southannan Estate
habitat and species protection Scotland - changes to General Licences for 2025
By Felix Meister, Advisor, GWCT Scotland
General Licences for 2025 were issued by NatureScot in December 2024 and came into effect as of 1 January 2025. We had previously expected that the 2025 Licences would involve significant changes following the wider species review that was to be undertaken by NatureScot in 2024. However, as that review was currently still in progress at the time of writing, 2025 Licences are largely identical to their 2024 counterparts. The following are the noteworthy changes:
Registering decoy birds
General Licences 1 and 2 now include a requirement for all decoy birds kept in multi-catch cage traps and Larsen traps to be registered with the Scottish Kept Bird Register. Advice on the registration process can be found on our website www. gwctadvisoryscotland.co.uk/
Methods for controlling feral pigeons
General Licences 2 and 3 include, among the legal methods for controlling feral pigeons (Columba livia) “shooting with the aid of any device for illuminating a target or any device for night shooting.” This method had been included in previous General Licences but was omitted in 2024.
Definition of ‘wildlife crime’
The definition of ‘wildlife crime’ in General Licences 1, 2, 3, 4 and 14 now includes a reference to The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
A previous reference to The Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 in General Licence 14 has been removed.
Other minor changes
General Licences 1 and 2 previously stated, among general animal welfare requirements, that “authorised persons must use the permitted method of taking or killing which has the least impact”. ‘Must’ is now replaced with ‘should’. Detailed advice on the stipulations contained in these Licences, and how they are to be implemented in practice, is offered in our Approved Training Courses which have been running across Scotland from February 2025.
Please keep an eye on our web pages www. gwctadvisoryscotland.co.uk/ for advice of future events.
Ben Alder stalking
Red Deer
World Gun Makers Evening
On the evening of 29 May at The Savoy, we will welcome some of the world’s finest gunmakers, representing countries such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA. The second issue of 'The Bench' we return from the USA to talk to Londoner Mark McCarthy, Stocker and Trigger maker at James Purdey & Sons.
Born in London Paddington, mere steps from the historic Purdey workshops, and raised in Maida Vale, Mark McCarthy’s connection to the art of gunmaking began early. Now in his fortieth year at James Purdey & Sons, his expertise as a Stocker/Trigger Maker and Senior Craftsman epitomizes the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that defines the industry.
To kick things off, we asked him what his favourite tool is…
“I know this may seem trite, but it is my hands,” Mark responds.
“We often the need to sketch with a pencil to convey ideas, and in my many years of gun making, working with a plethora of materials using chisels, gauges, files and electrically powered machinery, the dexterity to effectively wield or operate any of these items in a controlled manner can still be challenging.”
Explaining his role with characteristic humility, Mark says,
“I make the trigger units— single trigger, double triggers, and spring-bladed or articulated triggers. These units interact with the lock-work and safety mechanism, which in turn ‘fires’ the gun.”
He also specializes in turning Turkish walnut into the stock and
forend, the components a shooter holds and supports. This dual mastery of engineering and artistry is a hallmark of Mark’s work.
Mark’s love for craftsmanship extends beyond firearms. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, he admires how this era’s creative thinkers rediscovered and advanced ancient knowledge.
“They gave us perspective in art and initiated modern surgery, biology, and engineering,” he explains. “Even today, gunmakers apply the ‘golden ratio’ to create designs that ‘look right.’
While Mark is smitten with The Renaissance, he also has a lot of time for jeweller and egg designer extraordinaire Cal Fabergé. “This is a man who saw absolute excellence daily from his team of craftspeople,” he says.
Travel is another passion, and Mark’s adventures have spanned continents. From journeying overland from Tierra del Fuego to the Darién Gap to exploring the Far East and Europe; his curiosity about history, architecture, and culture is insatiable. Recently, he’s been drawn to the ancient Silk Roads, with a trip to Azerbaijan marking his latest exploration.
Mark’s career exemplifies the delicate interplay between preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing modern techniques. After two decades of experience, he sought a new challenge, learning CAD and completing a building surveying degree while continuing his work at Purdey.
“This academic training taught me to take a more scientific approach to my work,” he says.
Collaborating with experts in CAD, CAM, and CNC machining, Mark has contributed
to Purdey’s digital transformation. “Traditional gunmaking is often qualitative, while the digital age demands a quantitative approach. I balance these by learning from those with different mindsets and staying open to continuous learning.”
Mark is optimistic about the future of artisan gunmaking.
“There will always be a place for well-crafted and beautiful
handmade items,” he asserts. He sees knowledge as being reapportioned rather than lost, believing in the potential to merge historical techniques with modern innovation. “Our brains are incredible instruments. It’s possible to master both the old and the new.”
See James Purdey & Sons representing best London guns at World Gunmakers Evening.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE
Scottish venison and vegan extremism
By Jake Swindells
It has become clear that one of the main focuses in Holyrood is the reduction of the deer population throughout Scotland. With an estimated 1 million deer in Scotland, a figure that is disputed since there are no clear records of how many lowland deer exist, the Scottish Government are channelling efforts into the reduction of populations across the nation. But there is a problem. There is very little money to support the effort and, given that around 50,000 additional deer are to be shot per year in Scotland alone, there doesn’t seem to
be a stable market in the UK to receive these numbers.
The head of a well-known venison handling facility in Scotland once quoted that the company could quite easily cope with the additional deer that might enter the food chain as a result of the new Scottish Government figures, and I have no doubt that it could, but this comes at a cost to others. The increase in venison in the market will surely continue to drive the price that the land manager will receive for a carcass down. It has already dropped from around £2.40 per kilo just 5 years ago to
around £1 per kilo now. Even at its height, costs were not being covered and those who control deer numbers would absorb the shortfall. Now, many consider it madness to even bother going out shooting deer since they would lose so much money in doing so, not to mention the fact that it is extremely difficult to achieve consistency in relation to a venison dealer picking up the carcasses. I, myself, have been left with 7 carcasses hanging in the larder for more than a week after broken promises of collection day after day.
In times when food miles
Jake Swindells
should count more than ever, what we are seeing is a system whereby land managers are being paid a pittance for their deer and the majority of the venison is being shipped abroad, instead of being readily available to the local community in schools, hospitals, food banks and local authority buildings. Instead, there are small minorities in positions of power in universities, councils and other facilities who actively campaign for their site to go vegan. Some facilities have already signed up to meat-free menus, giving the majority of employees, residents, students and patients absolutely no choice in what they want to eat on site. The Scottish Countryside Alliance (SCA) has been campaigning against these extremists and have had some success in helping to block some of these motions passing. In January this year, I undertook a keto diet myself, cancelling out at least 10 veganuary participants singlehandedly with the amount of meat I consumed.
Over the past 12 months, The SCA has been campaigning for better marketing of venison, normalising the consumption of a lean, healthy and sustainable food source. Others are doing their bit too as it was recently announced that a £119k pilot fund has been secured by NatureScot and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). The project will see SAOS working alongside the Lowland Deer
Lying in wait with Myrtle
Network Scotland (LDNS) and Scottish Venison and could provide funding of up to 50% of capital costs to successful applicants. The intention is that this new source of funding will provide an improved infrastructure for handling and processing venison carcasses at a local level. This would allow lowland deer stalkers and wildlife managers access to vital resources such as small chillers and other necessary facilities and equipment to carry out their operations in the Scottish lowland areas. Here’s a radical (or not so radical in my mind) suggestion too –does our sector actually need a Venison Dealers Licence if we are already trained hunters and are able to inspect deer carcasses properly prior to direct public sale, and is this just acting as a barrier?
The COVID Recovery Fund currently supports three pilot chiller projects in Dumfries & Galloway, North Argyll, and Moray. The new facility at Barwhillanty Estate, Castle Douglas, cost around £50,000 and is predominantly for red, roe and fallow deer, and consists of both a chill and prep room. The COVID Recovery Fund provided around £20,000 for this project, with the estate funding the rest and is operated via a membership scheme.
The new pilot scheme is open for submissions from stalkers and groups from Friday 31 January 2025 and will run until Thursday 20 March 2025, with successful applicants notified by the end of March. SAOS staff are available to help with applications and initial enquiries should be directed to venison@saos.coop
In recent figures published by NatureScot, they estimated that income from deer management per annum is £15.8m, yet it costs £36.8m to shoot the deer. The private sector bears the brunt of this £21m shortfall, so further incentivisation from the Scottish Government is needed to help minimise this additional expenditure. Partfunding of equipment such as chillers, will go a long way to bridge the gap between deer management and venison production. These types of schemes will hopefully allow deer managers to produce good quality, nutritious venison products for the UK food market and beyond. The SCA welcomes the new pilot project and hopes that further projects and incentivisation schemes are rolled out to help the 80% of private deer managers across Scotland to access vital resources to continue building on this infrastructure.
Sika stag
Venison steak
The Ghillie
Hoping for another good salmon season
By Bob Whyte Ghillie on Catholes, Pitlochrie, Benchil and Luncarty on the River Tay
returning. It was alarming, to say the least.
In addition, anglers were voting with their feet and not
By the time you read this article the 2025 Salmon fishing season will have opened everywhere. There has been renewed optimism on the back of last year’s catch. At this time last year everyone was extremely worried, with catch statistics down 25% on the 2023 season throughout Scotland.
It was a relatively poor spring in 2023 but, as we entered the summer, a run developed in most rivers and catches soared. On my patch, at Stanley on the Tay, our catches went from 64 in 2023 to exactly 200. It was simply incredible! Suddenly, you had a reason to spring out of bed in the
morning to head to the river, full of confidence.
We had a lot of last minute bookings and I was running about crazy keeping everyone happy - I run 4 beats on the river (Catholes, Pitlochrie, Benchil and Luncarty), so it’s not easy.
There were lots of theories as to why the summer was so good but I don’t think anyone really knows the answer.
Something went right in the sea and let’s hope it happens again this coming year as I already have a number of bookings for the July/August window when the fish were running into the river last year, and being caught.
It was a far better summer for fishing as well with cooler weather and good water heights making the fish more vulnerable to being caught on rod and line.
That said, one swallow does not make a summer and time
will tell on that score, later this year.
The optimism has certainly spread. More people have come this spring, so far, plus we have landed one of the first fish off the river - a sparkling 15 pound beauty!
I am hoping for a better spring, the time, which would certainly help.
For my sins, I sit on the Tay Salmon Fishery Board and I am a member of the Tay Rivers Trust. I am busily trying to help transform the Trust into a larger, more meaningful organisation to help protect what we have and possibly help improve the river for future generations.
This is no mean challenge as the Tay Catchment is by far the biggest in Scotland, covering over 5000 square km.
I attended the Missing Salmon Alliance conference in London at Fishmongers
Hall recently and learned so much about what others are doing throughout the World. The event brought together organisations from across the Atlantic and Pacific, including the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, Norwegian Salmon Rivers, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and British Columbia’s First Nation’s Fisheries Council, to share strategies and strengthen efforts to address the wild salmon crisis.
The event fostered valuable collaborations, policy discussions, and a commitment to continued advocacy. It is no secret that salmon are now an endangered species in the UK but the conference theme was that we have only 10 years left to save this iconic fish and we need to act now. There is no more time to kick this down the road.
Three government Ministers were in attendance who have
jurisdiction over the aquaculture industry and/or wild salmon, including from the UK, Scotland and Norway.
During a panel discussion, participants did not miss their opportunity to ask the hard questions.
While we got the same old, same old, responses from most, we were refreshed by what the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment had to say, a young and energetic Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
Firstly, he acknowledged there was a serious problem, and secondly, he has been exploring solutions to significantly limit the impact of the industry through regulation, which will drive innovation and investment towards new technology and practices like closed containment.
Our Scottish Government should be taking notice of this.
The Ghillie
It is accepted that a lot of the problems lie in the sea which is out of our control. Therefore, we have to concentrate on our own catchments.
Cold, clean water is what is required due to the influence of Climate change. “Collaboration is the wicked solution for salmon” was a key phrase.
We all need to engage and come together and do
catchment-wide projects to sustain our wild Atlantic salmon in our district.
We have been reaching out to others for help and there is a real will to do this. Environmental projects appealing to all is the key and the iconic Salmon will be the main benefactor.
Hopefully, I can update you further in my next column. We can all make a difference.
Good news for sustainable grouse shooting
The UK Government’s recent endorsement of sustainable grouse shooting marks a significant moment for both conservation and rural economies. In an era of polarised environmental debates, this stance recognises a more nuanced reality: sustainable grouse moor management benefits biodiversity, habitat preservation and upland communities.
For many upland regions, grouse shooting is more than a seasonal activity — it is a key economic driver. Employment extends beyond gamekeepers to land managers, conservationists, hospitality workers and local businesses. Visitors during the shooting season inject much-needed capital into rural economies.
Small villages and familyrun businesses rely on grouse shooting to remain viable. The Government’s recognition of the economic significance of grouse shooting ensures these communities can continue to thrive.
Concerns over wildlife crime, particularly the illegal killing of birds of prey, have been used to justify banning grouse shooting. Any instance of wildlife crime is unacceptable and the overwhelming majority of those involved in grouse moor management operate within the law.
The Government’s investment in enforcement measures, such as the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the Hen Harrier Task Force, ensures illegal activities are addressed without undermining the benefits of responsible shooting practices. BASC has consistently
Critics argue that grouse shooting harms conservation, but this overlooks the role that managed moorlands play in preserving biodiversity. Our uplands provide critical habitats for species such as curlew, lapwings and golden plovers. Keepers and land managers are essential to this ecosystem. Predator control and vegetation management create diverse habitats. The rotational cool burning of heather promotes regeneration, reduces wildfire risks and maintains open landscapes required by ground-nesting birds.
maintained a zero-tolerance approach to wildlife crime.
Calls to ban driven grouse shooting ignore the unintended consequences. Without active management, vast moorlands would become overgrown, leading to increased wildfire risks and habitat loss. The economic impact would be severe.
Moreover, conservation efforts would suffer as landowners lose incentives to maintain and protect these areas. The Government’s current
stance ensures land management remains a priority while avoiding the pitfalls of over-regulation or outright prohibition.
The Government’s handling of the grouse shooting debate sets an example for policymakers navigating complex environmental and economic issues. Rather than yielding to anti-shooting campaigns from a vocal minority, this decision supports sustainable moorland management, guided by scientific evidence and sustainability.
Bad news as Capercaillie faces extinction despite conservation efforts to reverse decline
New research by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has shown that capercaillie numbers in Scotland have nearly halved in ten years, with as few as 304 birds remaining in 2020, compared to 580 in 2010. The figures show capercaillie heading towards extinction unless further measures are put in place to save this iconic bird.
The largest grouse in the world, capercaillie were once widespread across Scotland before going extinct in the 1780s. Following reintroduction efforts in the 1830s, it is now only found in pine forests in the Scottish Highlands, primarily in the Cairngorms National Park.
Capercaillie are now redlisted and protected in the UK. In the 1970s there were around 20,000 left in Scotland but since then numbers have been declining despite efforts to help them.
When transect-based national surveys were first carried out between 1992 and 1994, they indicated there were around 2,200 birds left in Scotland. By 1999 only 1,073 were thought to remain.
During the ten-year-long GWCT study, numbers declined by 48%, with the biggest decline in the last five years of the study.
Dr David Baines, Head of Uplands Research at GWCT, said: “Declines are associated
with a reduction in breeding success, which varies annually in relation to poor weather in June when chicks are growing and increased signs of predators such as pine marten in recent decades.
“This has happened despite efforts by land managers to improve habitat, and legally control foxes and crows.
“To reverse the trend and save the capercaillie from once again dying out in Scotland, we need to take urgent action and conservation measures must be stepped up, including legal predator control, reducing predation risk by pine marten and further reducing the risk of bird collisions with deer fences.”
game cooking with
Argyll Venison Casserole
By Wendy Barrie
Ye canna beat a heart-warming casserole at this time of year and what better than venison for a healthy flavoursome supper dish? This dish can successfully simmer on the hob, as we do because our log stove is also heating the house, or slow cook in the oven. I used diced venison from my Roe Deer Box, a selection ordered from Winston Churchill Venison who supply wild red deer too. The flavour of the wild roe deer is delicate yet fulsome and delicious. Red deer is also available from Rothiemurchus & Carmichael Estates in the Highlands and Lanarkshire respectively. The cranberry sauce was a leftover from Christmas but redcurrant would work equally well. Recently we were on Orkney and returned with a car boot of comestibles, including the fabulous Orkney bere berries, an alternative to pearl barley, and beautiful foraged berry wine. Cairn O’Mohr also create a delicious range of berry wines from fruits in and around Perthshire.
Ingredients:
500g Winston Churchill diced venison
Drizzle of Summer Harvest rapeseed oil
Blackthorn salt
Generous scrunch of black pepper
1 glass of Orkney red wine
1 tblsp cranberry sauce
Method:
50g Orkney bere berries
2 carrots, peeled & sliced in chunks.
1 parsnip, peeled & cut in batons
1 medium can/carton of tomato pulp
Honey – to taste
Allan’s chilli jelly – to taste
• Brown diced venison in the oil until nicely roasted. Season and add remaining ingredients apart from honey and jelly.
• Lid on, simmer gently on the hob or in a moderate oven for 2 hours. Add an additional cup of water during cooking, if required.
• When meat is tender and bere cooked through, stir in a teaspoonful of honey and a dessertspoon chilli jam to complete the dish. Add a little more of either as you wish, to balance the juices to your palate.
• Serve in warmed bowls with a good sourdough bread to mop up the sauce.
Serves 2
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Wendy is a cook, food writer & campaigner for local sustainable produce & biodiversity. Founder Director of award-winning Scottish Food Guide, Scottish Cheese Trail & Scottish Farm Shops, Wendy is also Leader for Slow Food Ark of Taste & Cooks Alliance in Scotland, IGCAT Global Experts Network member, International Judge & co-founder of Scottish Bread Championship. She has co-written “Meadows: The Swedish Farmer & The Scottish Cook,” with her husband, on regenerative food production, available online & from selected farm shops.
The ARC LRF Series from PIXFRA combines highresolution thermal imaging with an integrated laser rangefinder, delivering rapid target detection, accurate distance measurement, and superior clarity in all conditions.
Prices start at £1,050
www.nightmaster.co.uk
Tel: 01535 610066
TorraMór Green Mens Jacket
Made in the UK built for all adventures
£369
www.torramor.com
Gateway1 Fiordland II 11" Boots: Ultimate Fieldsports Footwear
Built for tough terrain, these premium leather boots feature a waterproof SympaTex® membrane, VIBRAM® Tsavo outsole, and cushioned G1®stage3™ footbed—delivering durability, comfort, and grip for all-day fieldsports.
UK adult sizes 5 to 16 - £289.95
www.wildandmoor.co.uk
Tel: 01535 611688
Pixfra Pegasus P450 Pro: Elite Thermal Riflescope
The P450 Pro offers a 2600m detection range, ultra-sensitive 18mK thermal sensor, image enhancement, and a 14-hour battery— delivering precision, clarity, and reliability for gamekeepers/ pest controllers.
Made from technical hardwearing rip-stop fabric, this lightweight, comfortable smock is waterproof and windproof with reinforced elbows, adjustable hood, spacious pockets, sealed side zips and a half-zip front.
