I work as a gamekeeper on a 24,000 acre traditional estate, Glendoe Estate, near Fort Augustus in the Highlands. I help with sporting activities as well as day-to-day running of the estate, which employs 4 full-time gamekeepers, 2 shepherds, and a variety of part-time and seasonal staff.

I’ve worked there for 6½ years but my career began when I left school and started work as a gamekeeper at Dunmaglass Estate alongside doing a game and wildlife management course at North Highland College UHI.

I trained there for four years and did a Modern Apprenticeship. It was really enjoyable as I had the chance to socialise with like-minded young people and learn new skills. The other great thing about working was that I was getting paid while learning, and that was essential to cover my living costs as I lived in placement accommodation.

Doing this qualification has helped massively with my career as the block release aspect and practical knowledge of the course have given me an in-depth knowledge of my role and given employers confidence that I can carry out my job efficiently.

Having been brought up in a rural area I had always wanted to do this kind of work and so appreciated what gamekeepers and farmers do to enhance wildlife and the countryside. What I do each day varies through the year, but basically I manage the countryside to benefit game populations as well as other wildlife. I am particularly proud of the part I have played in this, as some species of wildlife wouldn't be here if it weren't for the contributions of the industry I am part of.

During the shooting season I manage deer numbers by taking clients stalking and on years where we have a sporting surplus of grouse I manage driven grouse shoot days. We also have a low ground shoot where I assist the team in rearing pheasants and running shoot days.

My job helps to provide an environment which is rich in biodiversity, creating habitats for wildlife which is sometimes struggling in areas where this kind of management is lacking. Ground nesting birds such as red grouse, curlew, lapwing, oyster catchers, black grouse, redshank, golden plover, ring ouzels, and mountain hares and raptor species all benefit.

In this job, you need to be hardworking, able to communicate, have a good level of fitness and be resourceful. There are two mountains over 2,500 feet called Corbetts on the estate which are regularly used by hill walkers, so I regularly meet the public.

I love working in the countryside and have a passion for country sports, but the best thing about my job is getting up close to amazing wildlife. I get to see golden eagles soaring, red stags grazing the moorland, and lots of endangered waders which can be rare on unmanaged areas. I love living and working in this part of Scotland! Most of the guests we have remind us of just how beautiful it is.

Although there are challenges associated with my job, it is a very rewarding career in which you meet some great people, get to take part in exciting activities and spend most of your life outside surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.