Jack Brown named Scotland’s Young Gamekeeper of the Year

A 20-year-old beat keeper from Angus has been crowned Scotland's Young Gamekeeper of the Year, backed by a record number of nominations from across the profession. Jack Brown, of Hunthill Estate, received the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) award at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace on Friday, in front of family, friends and fellow keepers.

Who is Jack Brown?

Born in Irvine, Brown was on the hill helping his father, head gamekeeper Ali Brown, from an early age. He left home at 16 to take up a two-year traineeship at Delnadamph on the Balmoral estate, before being offered a beat keeper's job back home at Hunthill in Angus. There he manages moorland for red grouse and the wider upland wildlife that shares the ground. He received his trophies and a voucher from sponsor Quailhollow Kennels.

Why did he win?

The SGA award recognises young keepers judged to be an inspiration to the next generation and advocates for the profession. Judges confirmed that more than 50 people had nominated Brown, from peers and retired seniors to community groups, which the SGA said was a record for the award. Two former winners were among those who put his name forward, praising his diligence, professionalism and drive to improve the ground he manages “for all the gamebirds, waders and other wildlife within it”. Another endorsement told judges: “The industry would be in a greater position if we had more youngsters like Jack Brown.”

What did the winner say?

Brown said gamekeeping had always been his first choice. “I enjoy things like welding but gamekeeping was always going to be first choice for me,” he said. “I've helped my dad and learned from him for as long as I can remember. Modern gamekeeping today requires more tickets, training and is licensed, more so than 20 years ago, but I still wouldn't choose anything else.”

He added: “I love this time of the year when the young chicks are on the ground. Good game management provides for so much more than just game birds and it makes a real difference. I love seeing the curlews. They are nice little things. This year, the lapwings are a bit later with us but it's nice to help them because they are dropping a bit in number.”

Long service also honoured

The SGA also awarded Long Service medals to keepers who have given their lives to the profession. Chairman Alex Hogg MBE presented a medal to Danny Lyon, a gamekeeper at Balruddie in Kinross-shire who started out in 1979. Kenny Horne, who retired aged 70 this year from Teasses Estate in Fife, and Sandy Hinshelwood, whose career began at Forest Lodge in 1972, were also recognised.

What happens next?

Hogg said the awards were among the highlights of the SGA's year. “Rewarding outstanding individuals is one of the greatest pleasures of our year,” he said. “Whether starting out, like Jack, or stepping back, gamekeeping never leaves you. It is a way of life and a privilege, and it is great to show our appreciation for what these individuals are doing, or have done, for our profession, our rural communities and Scotland's countryside.” The GWCT Scottish Game Fair continues at Scone Palace until Sunday 5 July.