ADMG had a really good three days at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair from 30 June to 2 July with a busy stand, shared with LDNS, which this year focused on Deer Management Planning and Habitat Impact Assessments. There was a good level of interest from both members and the general public and some useful conversations with Agencies and others including a visit from the new Chair of SNH Mike Cantlay. The first day of the event fell the day after Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, had given her direction to what happens next for deer management (see previous news post) and the SNH Board had agreed its future approach.
One undoubted highlight at Scone was the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies, staged on Fair Sunday. This was won this year by Eric Starke with Mia in a fantastic entry of 19 ponies. The event was sponsored by Rigby, who presented a Highland Stalker .275 rifle with Leica Visus scope to the winner. Eric also received a prestigious Bronze Medal from the Highland Pony Society. All entrants received a bottle of Rigby 18 year Old Single Malt.
Great credit must go to all the estates, ghillies and ponies that took part, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance, and who all contributed to a terrific spectacle when the sun came out and the clouds gave way to blue sky to add that extra special touch.