A Local FLA informed me that there was no LEGAL requirement or need, or good reason to posses or aquire shotguns or firearms as part of any recognised Gamekeeping course, they say that the college should have all of that in hand and not leave it to the individual!
All good, however i think it should be a requirement of applicants on such courses to be in posession of a current SGC and FAC, if only to demonstrate some prior knowledge and some form of commitment to the industry, (it may keep the NEDS off good keeping courses who just want to "GET AT THE GUNS", but realisticaly will end up as prohibtited persons under the firearms act within a few years)
Hope your situation improves mathew, knock on some doors and find somewhere to use your firearms.
skipp