SGA Young Keeper of the Year receives award at Moy Highland Game Fair
The Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association (SGA) Young Gamekeeper of the Year is 21 year old Ross MacKay who has a full time job as a stalker on Balmoral Estate in Deeside. The award was presented at the Highland Field Sport Fair at Moy near Inverness.
As a city boy Ross left school in Aberdeen four years ago with no experience in the shooting and fishing worlds and virtually no hope of employment in the industry.
Today, after studying for his Higher National Certificate in Gamekeeping at North Highland College in Thurso, he has a full-time job, his own 10,000 acre beat which includes Lochnagar, four dogs, a house on Balmoral Estate, and duties which include accompanying the Queen and Prince Philip when they go grouse shooting.
SGA chairman, Alex Hogg described Ross’s story of determination and ability as a great inspiration to other young people who have no background in gamekeeping or any chance of a training placement on an estate. He added: “I admire his focus and his achievements in what’s often perceived as a closed world.
“Ross is a smart, hard working lad with obvious charm and personality and I wish him well in his career.”
Ross admits he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his profession but in the last few months he has had to consider another tempting option - the offer of a university place to study Wildlife Management.
“If I had still been a trainee I’d have gone for it,” he admits. “But this job is great and I’ve still a lot to learn so I’m putting University on hold for the moment. Maybe in a few years time.”
The Young Gamekeeper of the Year award is supported by tweed manufacturers, Lovat Mill whose managing director, Stephen Rendle presented the exclusive tweed at Moy. He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be associated with the SGA competition and are pleased it has been won by someone who’s such an inspiration in a traditional way of life.”
Buccleuch Estates and tailor John Brocklehurst also support the prize.