Gamekeeping students from North Highland College, Elmwood Campus and Borders College joined professional gamekeepers at Scone Palace for one of the premier events for gamekeepers in Scotland.
The students and gamekeepers came together at the BASC Scotland Gamekeepers’ Day on 18 March. The day featured talks and discussions on current events and issues affecting the profession followed by clay shooting competitions.
Connor Dunlop from Borders College won the Barry Morton trophy in the student’s clay-shooting class. Second place went to Ryan Hoggan from Elmwood Campus.
The day was designed to provide a forum for debate and learning on important gamekeeping issues in Scotland, helping keepers to stay informed of current events and to continue their professional development.
Colin Shedden, director of BASC Scotland, said: “These students are the future of gamekeeping in Scotland. It was good to see them mixing with experienced professionals. We are working against a rapidly changing backdrop of regulation and reform to which the profession is adapting. Gamekeepers should be rightly proud of the work they do and the contribution it makes to the Scottish countryside and BASC Scotland is pleased to be helping to train and encourage the next generation of dedicated gamekeepers.”
Jim Goodlad from Elmwood Campus said: “I would like to thank BASC Scotland and all those involved with the planning for this day. It is particularly good for students as it allows them to network with experienced gamekeepers with the added opportunity to meet representatives from other colleges. I hope this relationship continues to develop and flourish for the long term future.”
David Olds from North Highland College said: “North Highland College is continually grateful for the fantastic support and encouragement our gamekeeping students receive from BASC Scotland and for the really well run and enjoyable annual BASC Gamekeepers’ day at Scone.”
Alan Tweedie from Borders College said: “All at Borders College gamekeeping team would like to take this opportunity to thank BASC for its continued support in providing an excellent day of industry updates and a good social gathering and fun shoot.”
Mike Hardy, gamekeeper and BASC council member, said: “BASC does a lot of work with the colleges and this event is about passing on tradition and knowledge from one generation to the next and learning lessons for the future.”
For more information please contact BASC Scotland on 01350 723226 or the BASC press office on 01244 573052, email press@0ld.basc.org.uk