Nicholas, from Aberdeen, did an NC in Gamekeeping at SRUC’s Elmwood campus and has recently been promoted to Shooting and Fishing School Assistant Manager at the prestigious Gleneagles Estate.
He believes that his success can be put down to his time at College.
“Whilst on the NC course I learned so much in the year. We were able to do extra training and get qualifications in deer management, ATV driving and pest and predator control, which all added to my employability. But I think my favourite part was rearing and hatching pheasants.”
After completing his college course, Nicholas went on to work as a trainee underkeeper at Scone Palace before progressing on to a 22,500 acre estate in Tain, Sutherland.
One of his former gamekeeping lecturers then told him about a vacancy for a trainee shooting instructor at Gleneagles. Nicholas applied for the job, attended an interview and was offered the position there and then.
In his new role, he works alongside 21 other people, including another SRUC former student. It is extremely varied role, covering everything from tuition to competition shoots and charity events.
Nicholas says that he loved doing his course at college and the job he now has: “I would thoroughly recommend the NC to anyone who enjoys the countryside and the outdoors. It’s a great way of life and a great industry to be part of. I look forward to coming into work and meeting wonderful people from all over the world”.
