January 2024! - Jan 17, 2024

Already over half way through January and we have a winter! Snow and

ice which in some places has become a rarity, and in others the usual

routines kick in. For the rest of the lowground season it is largely a

positive although extra feeding. For the Uplands a largely welcome aid

to vermin control and in the Highlands, stalking continues. For the

Rivers an exciting opening on the Tay and hope for the season ahead.

Our rural communities come together to make sure everyone is safe and

well and farmers and keepers keeping roads and people safe. Offering

game as a warm and healthy meal has been widespread; there are some

excellent initiatives on the go. For the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust, the

heating grants were sent out before the end of the year and are being

used to keep people warm. The Nurse Advice Clinic is open to help those

with any health concerns or queries, and Jamies’ Helpline open for

anything at all, in confidence and with useful information and support.

Looking for jobs? Remember Rural Recruits and that we are here to

help with c.v.s, letters and general pointers. Our Student Support

Programme is on the go and our monthly treats have gone out to over 200

people to raise a smile and to say – “we are here and we care”. We are

looking forward to our Roadshow in the Spring, around the country with

information and discussions on subjects which matter to households most.

More detail will follow but we emphasise that these meetings are for

the family, not just the keeper, stalker, and ghillies. Ruth, our

fantastic Communications Manager is working hard on pulling together the

results of the recent survey for keepers wives and partners and we will

publish in due course. Take care and keep those flags waving and

“Checking in with your Mates”!