I lead the shooting party... but with cameras, not guns
Sandy’s safaris are proving a big hit with Scotland’s stalkers
A PIONEER of wildlife tourism who encourages tweed-clad stalkers to shoot deer with a camera rather than a gun is still taking visitors into the wilds 60 years after he first began.
Sandy Reid has now been honoured with a national award for his work in starting “safaris” on Atholl Estates land in Perthshire.
Since the safaris began in 2005, the 73-year-old has driven hundreds of visitors across Atholl’s moors to photograph iconic red deer stags, resident golden eagles and black grouse.
It’s a move which has since been rolled out successfully to other Scottish sporting estates, contributing to a burgeoning wildlife tourism sector worth £127 million a year to Scotland’s rural economy.
His vision has now seen him rewarded with the Ronnie Rose Trophy from the Scottish Gamekeepers Association.
Sandy, who led stalking guests on the 150,000 acre estate for 49 years before running the safaris, said: “People love to see the red deer close up, in the early morning or at nightfall.
“I’ve had some in the back seeing hen harriers stealing food from each other in mid-air.
“It’s a chance to let people see what really goes on and how abundant predators are legally managed by the gamekeeping staff to promote a balance.
“It is also a way to speak to folk and explain things like why eagles need large territories to bring up young.
“I’m glad there are more and more estates today taking people out on visits who would not necessarily want to go game shooting, but want to see lots of wildlife close up.”
Despite a busy safari schedule, Sandy still ghillies for guests on the estate’s salmon beats and helps out on grouse days around Perthshire and further afield.
He started his career as a pony boy and kennel hand before becoming a stalker on the Clunes beat at Atholl.
Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg said Sandy has introduced hundreds of “newcomers” to the flora and fauna of Highland Perthshire and helped them understand the land.
He said: “People love to see the huge range of wildlife we manage in Scotland.
“They don’t want to look at pictures, they want to see the real thing.
“We are delighted to honour Sandy with this award.”
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing presented Sandy with his award.
He said: “Sandy has shown real dedication to sharing his vast knowledge of the countryside to educate people and allow them to appreciate our unique wildlife and landscape through his wildlife safaris.
“These encourage tourism which contributes greatly to our rural economy.”