Rum
I followed an add in the Shooting Times just before Christmas and took a week on Rum in late Jan 09 (Hinds) along with a friend of mine.
By the sound of it.. I took a week with bambislayer's friend, and as he stated the island is magical.
Despite some very bad weather and my fitness! We had a wonderful week on the Island, shot six beasts and saw Hugh numbers of magnificent Stags and scenery that is hard to beat.
The SNH Deer Manager is great chap and the larder facilities have been updated and modernised in recent years to provide all that is needed and could be wished for.
Accommodation on the Island for those that have not been is within the Castle and is 1970's style hostel accommodation in the main. The building has a small drying room to use which gets the job done, a newly opened Bar for locals and guests alike and you can opt for self catering or allow the castle chef to cook you something up.
I hate paying money for stalking, but once a year a scrimp and save and head to Scotland for a week away on the Hinds.
At first glance the cost of this trip was high, but on further investigation, calls to friends etc I think it was good value for money as we had accommodation, food, stalking (Stalking Guide, two Ghillies and two ponies) for 4 days.
This was my first experience of SNH in person and I applaud them for the work they and others do in Kilmory. Every deer shot has samples taken, jaw bones removed and red pluck organs weighed, measured and samples taken for the work carried out within the universities around the UK. This along with the constant monitoring, tracking and protection of Kilmory animals provides world leading research into Red Deer.
If I was to criticise SNH for anything on Rum it would be the general lack of repair to the castle. It's estimated to repair the castle will cost around £13million. SNH cannot afford to spend that kind of money, but they have set aside budget to restore parts of the castle in coming years. I just hope it's not too late!!!
Who ever picks up the lease of Rum will have the opportunity of some fabulous shooting and I hope they continue to lease it out to paying guests in order to provide some much needed income to the Locals, the Island and for the repair of the castle.
I watch with interest and hope to get an opportunity to return one day.. I just need to get hill fit again first!
Robbo 25