Almost 100 gamekeepers gathered at an event hosted by BASC Scotland at Scone Palace.
They attended a day of talks, presentations and networking. Subjects included deer population management, sporting rates, Scottish Natural Heritage’s snaring review, wildlife crime and shoot disruption.
Colin Shedden, BASC Scotland director, said: “It was a very enjoyable day with interesting presentations and a wide range of interesting topics. At a time when there is unprecedented interest in the management of the Scottish countryside BASC, the UK’s largest shooting organisation, gathered almost 100 of its gamekeeping members together for a day of talks, networking and a clay shoot competition. Held in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace it was an important event for practitioners. The legislation affecting those working in shoot management in Scotland is constantly evolving so it is imperative that gamekeepers stay up to date. The event also provided an excellent opportunity for sharing best practice and networking with others involved in looking after the Scottish countryside.”
Mike Holliday, chairman of BASC’s Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management Working Group, said: “The gamekeepers’ day at Scone Palace is an important date in any gamekeeper’s diary. It helps bring us all together after hopefully another great season. For a lot of us working in lonely remote places it is great to catch up with friends and colleagues we may not have seen for months. It is also extremely valuable in updating on all the changes in legislation and best practice that seem to be constantly evolving and the various challenges that these can bring about. Not only do we owe a great deal of gratitude to the BASC Scotland team for putting this together we are also extremely grateful to our many sponsors without whom this event could not be held.”
Thanks to the sponsors of the event – Angus Country Sports, BushWear, Calor Gas Scotland, County Clays, Decathlon (Solognac), Dodson & Horrell, Kate Fleming Fishing & Shooting, Greenburn Sporting, Hoggs of Fife, Marsden’s Game Feeds, A M Phillip Truck Tech Ltd, Iain Semple, Spratt’s Game Foods, Swarovski UK Ltd and Western Toyota.
ENDS