The Shoot
I am lucky to have relatives who manage the North Slipperfield Estate in the Scottish Borders. They are very close relatives indeed, and I am staying in my own fully equipped bothy. As I look out of my window I can see the Pentland hills, covered in a dusting of snow. The bread and butter here is pheasant shooting. Now, I wasn’t at all sure about this, but was asked if I’d like to join the last day of the season. This was a thank you shoot for the Beaters who have worked hard all season. Still, I wasn’t sure, but I thought I might get some decent pictures, and there would be plenty of dogs. There were. I helped with the preparation of food, and got caught up with the anticipation of the day. I watched the tweeds being brought out, the leather gaiters polished and guns carefully prepared. There was excitement in the air.
Decisions have to be made about where each gun (that means person and dog with gun) would stand. Easy solution is to give each one a shot of sloe gin with their number on the bottom of the glass. You have to drink it to find out your position……no sweat there then!
The well-trained dogs were just about able to contain themselves while they waited and waited for things to get going
This pretty girl managed to more or less sit still. It was hard though.
Some of the more experienced dogs waited in their vans, knowing what was coming. Very soon!
Not everyone got to go. Some were just too young, and not yet trained. Hard to resist though
Off at last! I must say, a nicer group of individuals I have yet to meet.
There is a strict code of conduct that ensures safety for the humans and humane treatment of the dogs and birds. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the shooting of the birds, but there was such an emphasis on maintaining the rules, that I relaxed somewhat.
It was cold. The guns and their dogs waited while the Beaters did their work. No one moved, least of all those dogs. It was a longer than normal wait, as it was the last day of the season.
This fellow is the number two shot in Scotland. Such a nice fellow too. His dog was perfectly behaved.
And then is was over. Birds are not carried by the feet. It’s just not done. Always by the head. I must say, I always look away on nature documentaries when creatures and birds are killed. I don’t like it. Somehow, today I grasped the whole culture of this ancient sport, and felt in no position to object. I also have to tell you that I will be cooking a pheasant dinner tomorrow night. Each to his own I say.
There is something lovely about a well-trained dog. This little boy was a star!
A Visit to the Scottish Borders
Just an 8 hour drive and I am in Scotland. I am fortunate enough to stay in West Linton with views of the Pentland Hills.
The day was cold and bright. There were dogs to be walked
Or rather, dogs to be let out to run freely
This group of Highland cattle were not much fussed about us passing by
And quite happy to pose for a portrait shot
They are lovely docile creatures
These rams have done their work this year, and it won’t be long before the results are born
This lovely lady is one of many wives. They have to be hardy to survive out here.
Snow s expected tonight.
Five Winter Scenes
I prefer cold, snowy days to this dull foggy drizzle we are having. Time to look back at our Christmas walk in Scotland.
So cold. So lovely.
Five Scottish Walks
Four days in Scotland. Unbeatable walking. Steep climbs. Wonderful views.
This lovely lady knows how beautiful she is. So does her baby I think
The only living creatures I met on my walks were these. They kept their heads down until I’d passed
Climbing up…..
And up……
These feet made it to the top. Next climb: The Inca Trail in three weeks. Will they make it?
This lovely boy was waiting for me when I got back from my trek. He’s too old to climb the hills. Never to old for a swim though
Five Scottish Friends
I met some new friends at the weekend. Mainly the animal variety.
This is Lamby. She decided to be a dog when her mother abandoned her. So now she lives with people, goes for walks. Soon she’s planning to have a bark installed so she can join the others.
This is Fergie. He looks lovely and clean doesn’t he???…….
Post mud bath.
A jumping bean. Midge.
That’s better. Got rid of our wooly vests.
Wish they’d do us.
Five Highland Girls
I visited my lovely sister and husband here in the Scottish Borders at the weekend. Surrounded by stunning countryside, their herd of Highland cows decorated the hills perfectly. Moses, the bull looks after his girls, resulting in the occasional birth. We were lucky enough to witness such an event in the small hours of Saturday morning. Here is baby, plus some of the girls:
This little chap is called Caspar, and had quite a struggle arriving into this world…..
Here are some of his aunties:
What gorgeous girls!
Five Beach Items
Scavenging on the beach provides hidden beauties. I could spend weeks pottering around the shore looking for shapes and colours created by the sea. Here are five such items found on Scottish beaches:
I want to be there all the time now we have so much sun. Shame I have to work instead…….
Five Scottish Things
A fine week in Scotland. Fine in every sense; weather, company, exploration, PLANS!
Stayed in Findhorn, a welcoming community with bespoke houses like these:
Near these beaches:
And the Cairngorms:
More of the seaside:
Beachwear:
It is more than likely that one of us will move to Findhorn in a few short years…..!
