January 2024! - Jan 17, 2024
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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”!