Why oh why is Scotland the only country in the UK to still have the ban on tail docking of working dogs?
Just back in from ferreting a plantation of young larch and scots pine trees. I am soaked to the skin and frozen. My daughter is visiting us with her boyfriend and I thought it would be a good chance for him to see some different animal tracks in the snow.
I am not a happy chappy. I was cutting old rabbit fences away this morning and my ear is bleeding profusely. I detest that high tensile wire; when you cut it with the wire cutters it goes off like a coiled spring. It felt like I had been shot in the ear.
The winner of the inaugural Scottish Young Gamekeeper of the Year award is Islay Estates keeper, Alan MacDonald.
A graduate of Thurso College, Alan (24) has worked for Islay Estates on the island of Islay for the last eight years, and has been described as having a great enthusiasm and aptitude for his job together with a quiet, gentle charm and relaxed style.