Gamekeeping students celebrate end of academic year with clay pigeon shoot and awards

Gamekeeping students at UHI North, West and Hebrides have marked the end of the academic year with a clay pigeon shoot and awards presentation.

The event at Rothiemurchus Estate brought together current and former NC Gamekeeping students, staff, and friends of the course for a day of celebration.

Students took part in an individual sporting shoot competition before joining estate colleagues and staff for a team flush event. A barbecue lunch was provided by professional cookery students based at the Fort William campus.

Awards were presented to:

• Lauren Cowe, trainee deer stalker at Coignafearn Estate, near Tomatin, named NC Gamekeeping Student of the Year
• David Anderson, trainee gamekeeper at Dougarie Estate, Isle of Arran, named NC Gamekeeping Students’ Student of the Year
• Fletcher White, trainee gamekeeper at Meggernie Estates, Glenlyon, Aberfeldy, winner of the High Student Gun.
• Becky King, Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust nurse, winner of the High Keeper Gun.
• The gamekeeping team from Balavil Estate, near Kingussie, winner of the Team Flush

Lauren Cowe was recognised for her outstanding work ethic, high quality coursework and excellent communication skills.

David Olds, NC Gamekeeping lecturer, said: “Lauren displays all the attributes we look for in a gamekeeping student. She’s hard working, bright, positive, and a pleasure to be around. Her coursework and practical skills have been excellent. I’ve accompanied her out stalking and she handles challenges with maturity and care. She’s been an excellent student.”

Lauren (17), who works with her dad Charlie, said: “I wasn’t expecting this at all, but I feel very honoured. The whole class is amazing, so it’s a real shock to win.”

Reflecting on her experience on the course, Lauren added: “The trips were incredible – from deer stalking at Mar Lodge Estate to learning about deer ponies at Reay Forest Estate. I’ve got so much respect for the stalkers and keepers we’ve met and learned so much from our lecturers – I can’t thank them enough for their hard work dedication. This course has been the best decision I’ve made – from the people I’ve met, the laughs we’ve had as a group, to the memories I’ve made, it’s an experience I’ll always cherish.”

David Anderson (16) was the unanimous choice of his peers for the NC Gamekeeping Students’ Student of the Year.

He said: “I didn’t expect this - it’s a real honour. I’m proud of what I have achieved. Gamekeeping has been a huge part of my life. This course was highly recommended and it’s been brilliant. I’ve learned so much, especially from visiting the estates and meeting new people. I’ve made friends for life on this course and the lecturers have been amazing. I’m excited to continue my career in gamekeeping.”

Lecturer David added: “David has been the glue that bonded this group. He’s a standout character, a friend to everyone, and a constant source of support to his peers.”

The NC gamekeeping course is a one-year, work-based programme covering a wide range of topics including deer stalking, health and safety, legislation, game meet hygiene, grouse habitat management, gundogs, pest and predator control, athe safe use of shotguns and sporting rifles.

Students combine paid work on an estate with online learning and residential trips.

It equips students with the skills for employment on an estate or in wildlife management. The course also provides a progression route into HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management for further upskilling.

The gamekeeping team at UHI North, West and Hebrides would like to thank Rothiemurchus Estate, Highland Game and the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust for their generous support of the event.

Check out more photos from the day below: