Jack Brown (20) of Hunthill Estate landed the profession’s most prestigious youth prize on Friday (3rd) at GWCT Scottish Game Fair, with family, friends and fellows in attendance.
Judges later confirmed that over 50 people, from peers and ex-seniors to community groups, nominated the youngster – a record in the near 30-year history of the award.
Jack, born in Irvine, was on the hills aiding his Head Gamekeeper father, Ali, from heather height and left home as a teenager to take up a 2 year traineeship at Delnadamph, Balmoral.
Impressing there, he was offered a Beat Keeper job ‘back home’ at Hunthill in Angus, where he is still employed, managing moorland for red grouse and the array of co-habiting upland wildlife.
Inspiration
Awarded by the sector’s professional body, The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), the trophy recognises individuals who, by their management and approach, are judged to be an inspiration to future generations and advocates for the sector.
Amongst those nominating him were two former winners of the prize, themselves, who vouched for his diligence, professionalism and his drive towards improvement.
One endorsement sent to judges, read that the winner passionately improved the ground that he managed, ‘for all the gamebirds, waders and other wildlife within it.’
Another read: “The industry would be in a greater position if we had more youngsters like Jack Brown.’
"...wouldn't choose anything else'
For the recipient, who received a voucher from sponsor, Quailhollow Kennels Ltd, alongside his trophies, there was never another job which could have lured him from the moors.
“I enjoy things like welding but gamekeeping was always going to be first choice for me,” he said. “I’ve helped my dad and learned from him for as long as I can remember (see image below of a young Jack with his dad).
“Modern gamekeeping today requires more tickets, training and is licensed, more so than 20 years ago, but I still wouldn’t choose anything else.
“I love this time of the year when the young chicks are on the ground. Good game management provides for so much more than just game birds and it makes a real difference.
“I love seeing the Curlews. They are nice little things. This year, the Lapwings are a bit later with us but it’s nice to help them because they are dropping a bit in number.”
Decades of dedication
As well as honouring youth, the SGA were rewarding, with Long Service medals, individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sector (see pic, above).
SGA Chairman Alex Hogg, MBE, presented medals to Danny Lyon, a gamekeeper at Balruddie, Kinross-shire, who started out in 1979 (see below).
Also receiving accolades were Kenny Horne, who retired age 70 this year, from Teasses Estate in Fife and Sandy Hinshelwood, whose career began at Forest Lodge back in 1972 (see the pair, below).
“Rewarding outstanding individuals is one of the greatest pleasures of our year,” said Chairman, Alex Hogg.
“Whether starting out, like Jack, or stepping back, gamekeeping never leaves you. It is a way of life and a privilege, and it is great to show our appreciation for what these individuals are doing, or have done, for our profession, our rural communities and Scotland’s countryside.”
