Forget the World Cup and Wimbledon – world class sport is alive and kicking in Scotland’s hills and glens.
A new initiative called ‘Be a Sport’ was launched this week by the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG).
The launch took place on three estates, Seafield and Strathspey, Atholl and Roxburghe to showcase the wide range of sports available on Scotland’s rural estates.
Mountain biking, golf, rafting, horse-riding have now joined the traditional pursuits of shooting and fishing on offer throughout Scotland.
Louise Main (17) cast her rod on a beat in the River Spey which is part of Seafield and Strathspey Estates today. She said: “There’s so much for young people to do on Estates. Folk think of this as being a playground for old men but it’s not. My dad’s the ghillie on the Estate, so I’ve been fishing for years. I live next to the river, so enjoying the outdoors is easy.â€
Outdoor sports specialist Craig Wilson launched ‘Be a Sport’ on Atholl Estates. Craig Wilson of Nae Limits, an outdoor adventure sports company specialising in water-sports across Perthshire, said: “Some of Scotland’s most exciting places for water-sports can be found in Estates. I’ve been kayaking now for years, but love all outdoor activities – they’re my passion. Perthshire is a great place to try something new. There’s loads on offer, and its all tremendous fun.â€
Rik Allsop, owner of Rik’s Bike Shed in Drumlanrig, is a keen mountain biker. He teamed up with golfer Michael McCallum to launch ‘Be a Sport’ at the Roxburghe Golf Course near Kelso.
Rik said: “I’ve been a mountain biker now for twenty years, and can think of no better way to enjoy the outdoors than on a bike on a Scottish estate. The facilities at Drumlanrig are fantastic- there’s something there for everyone. Estates are not simply playgrounds for old men in Tweed, but great places to enjoy adventure sport.â€
The Duke of Roxburghe, Chairman of SEBG, said: “Scotland’s countryside plays a huge role in providing recreation and sport facilities for tourists and Scots alike. Whether taking part in traditional sports such as golf, or in newer, more adventurous pursuits such as mountain biking, Scotland’s Estates have something for everyone.
‘Be a Sport’ is part of the internet ‘Enjoy Estates’ programme which highlights the attractions of estates. It can be found online at www.enjoyestates.org.
