NEW BEGINNINGS FOR THE NEW SEASON
Some new faces and major changes for Edradynate.
With the grouse season firmly under way, for the pheasant and partridge shoots, thoughts are firmly focused on the last minute preparations for their seasons opening.
Edradynate Estate is no exception – with perhaps an interesting twist. This year sees a new era commence for the estate with the arrival of new HeadKeeper Ian Smith and Underkeeper Ciaran Woodman-Robinson.
Ian joins us from the West Coast of Scotland (Glenstriven Estate) and Ciaran more locally from Kinnaird. Since their arrival in February, the ground, pens and drives have been completely rethought and re-worked to alter the shape and ethos of the shooting and this has brought incredibly exciting new opportunities for the re- introduction of smaller scale partridge drives.
Access roads have been created giving the chance for the gun line to tackle the birds from an entirely new perspective and also improve opportunities for the picking up team to retrieve previously hard to reach quarry.
The Beater’s transport has been upgraded to a specially adapted ex-army vehicle to enable the “troops” to journey between drives in more comfort and safety. Two Toyota HiLux pickups are now the “keepers wheels” plus a new and improved game cart. With Ciaran now resident in the converted former Lunch Bothy, a new Beater’s Lunch Room has been created behind the kennels at the Coach House.
The Garden Flat has been renovated to provide additional accommodation for guests and family in keeping with the décor and feel of Edradynate House. Vicki Smith (Ian’s wife) has joined the Estate in the role of Housekeeper with some Estate administrative responsibilities and Susan Mackinnon will be sharing Chef duty with Jenny MacLeod this year. Mark Myles has done great work with the garden. Martin and Drew Kennedy who, between them, farm the entire Estate have been immensely helpful with all aspects of the shoot especially the new game crops that we have this year.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the coming months.
Michael Campbell
September 2017
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