Golden Eagles Soaring

BY BERT BURNETT In recent years, discussions about wildlife in Scotland have repeatedly centred on concerns regarding species decline and environmental degradation. However, one notable success story that challenges this often-cynical narrative is the remarkable recovery of the Golden Eagle population in Scotland. Contrary to the prevailing perception in the Guardian and across the BBC of a “nature-deprived” UK, data suggests that Scotland is home … Continue reading Golden Eagles Soaring

countrysquiremagazineOctober 3, 2024October 2, 2024

countryside

Ticks and Lunatics

BY CHARLIE ABASCAL In the UK’s picturesque countryside, particularly the uplands of Scotland, an escalating crisis looms—one marked by the rise of tick populations. These small, blood-sucking parasites present more than a simple annoyance; they pose a significant threat to wildlife, livestock, and humans. Ticks are notorious carriers of Lyme disease, a growing danger to all who enjoy the great outdoors. Despite the severity of … Continue reading Ticks and Lunatics

countrysquiremagazineJuly 24, 2024July 23, 2024

Vicar

A Prayer for Our Gamekeepers

VICAR Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well and that You and Your families have had a good week. This week I would like to pray for the Gamekeepers, many of whom are having a tough time of things of late. Uncertainty has been cast on their future in parts of Scotland, some have been forced to move off the … Continue reading A Prayer for Our Gamekeepers

countrysquiremagazineOctober 1, 2023September 29, 2023

countryside

Major Eagle Nest Increase on Gamekeeper Managed Land

A new survey has shown a 57% increase in eagle nests in only 7 years in Scotland on land managed by professional gamekeepers. The national study, following on from similar surveys in 2013 and 2015, was conducted by The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, which has 5300 members in Scotland. Officials asked members for locational details of active eagle nests on the ground they manage, with 35 … Continue reading Major Eagle Nest Increase on Gamekeeper Managed Land

countrysquiremagazineApril 22, 2023April 22, 2023

countryside, Films

The Gamekeeper Revisited

BY SARAH GREENWOOD A note follows from Sarah to Dai Bradley (pictured twice below), who played Billy Casper in Barry Hines’ film ‘Kes’. Sarah met Dai/Billy at a showing of Hines’ film The Gamekeeper in Barnsley last month. Ay up Billy! Asta got tahm for a chat? A’ just want t’ clear summat up after that talk we ‘ed ‘t’other neet. at’t Civic It wor … Continue reading The Gamekeeper Revisited

countrysquiremagazineNovember 5, 2022November 2, 2022

Letters

Dear Nicola

Dear Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland. I am writing this Open Letter to you on behalf of the 5300 members of The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, of which I am Chairman. I am sure some of this will also resonate with rural workers in other sectors who united with us during the Rural Workers’ Protest, #RWP21, on March 19th. I write to you after reading … Continue reading Dear Nicola

countrysquiremagazineApril 23, 2021April 23, 2021

countryside

Beyond Red Crows

BY DOMINIC WIGHTMAN The last fortnight has been rough on the chickens. One cockerel and a hen stolen away by a wily fox. My young son guilty for not counting them all into their enclosure at night. Eleven is a good age to learn responsibility for others, as well as how to help provide. More chickens, a ledger and an incubator are on the way. … Continue reading Beyond Red Crows

countrysquiremagazineApril 14, 2021April 14, 2021

countryside, shooting

Lead into Darkness?

BY MARK CRUDGINGTON Have the British shooting public been led into a miasma of confusion that may lead to the end of the shooting of live quarry as we know it? In modern cancel culture the opportunity to “ban” time-tested methods to assuage a “green” agenda seems increasingly common. In the case of lead in ammunition there have been reports produced for years on the … Continue reading Lead into Darkness?

countrysquiremagazineApril 7, 2021April 7, 2021

countryside, shooting

The Coming Storm

BY NIGEL BEAN & PAUL READ Sad and worrying stats were released by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) recently. Research shows 64% of Scottish gamekeepers receive abuse from members of the public at least once a year. And another 79% are concerned about their future. Put into context, that’s 64% of Scottish gamekeepers getting grief for going about their lawful business putting … Continue reading The Coming Storm

countrysquiremagazineNovember 14, 2020November 14, 2020