Rural Skills students from the Wallace Hall Academy in Dumfriesshire received hands-on shooting coaching with shotguns and air rifles under the tuition of BASC Scotland. As part of their course the pupils have weekly work experience which can include everything from mucking out cattle to shooting firearms.
Donald Muir, BASC Scotland’s events and training officer, said: “Shooting is an important element of many rural professions and the students are taught that safety, discipline and responsibility for themselves and those around them are the most important aspects of shooting.
“As an approved training provider, BASC Scotland is able to provide constructive and safe shooting training for students. Students learn that people have to be responsible and law-abiding to be able to hold a firearm certificate and that can be key to their future career prospects.”
The day came about through the Queensbury Initiative which links local schools and businesses. Leanne Peoples, project officer for the Queensbury Initiative said: “The Queensberry Initiative has been lucky enough to work with BASC on a number of occasions. We find these sessions are valuable to our pupils to help them understand the importance of safety and respect for guns but also the importance that the game sector has in Scotland’s economy and tradition.”
Alan Balfour, BASC council member, said: “It is brilliant that our qualified staff can provide training and experience for schools in Scotland. We want to encourage young people into shooting as they are the future of our sport, our ambassadors and our future Commonwealth and Olympic athletes.”
For more information please call BASC Scotland on 01350 723226 or the BASC press office on 01244 573052 email press@0ld.basc.org.uk