Rachel MacDonald recently followed through on a lifelong interest to pass deer-stalking certificate Level 1

Abigail Taylor

Rachel MacDonald, 19, from Clachan Sands has completed her deer-stalking certificate Level 1.

Representatives from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation oversaw three days in a classroom and three tests, which led to a shooting exam, which she passed, at the end of March

“It’s best practice to do it nowadays to get a good understanding of deer management, hygiene and to know the regulations for selling deer,” explained Rachel.

“We were taught about all of the different species of deer, even though we only have red deer here, and we learnt about the different seasons, when it’s time to shoot the hinds or the stags and when it’s calving time. It’s much better to know this before going out stalking.”

Her interest in deer came from working on the farm with her father and going out shooting with him from the age of 15. 

“I have always been around shooting and deer as my dad, alongside a few others, has the lease for the area to manage deer. I was going out with my dad to shoot rabbits and then my first deer at 15. It’s to keep the numbers down and the herd healthy. I really have enjoyed learning with my dad.”

10 people were on the course with Rachel, who was the only female as well as the youngest participant. 

“More and more people are taking up the course and it is being held again in the next few weeks for more people to get involved. It’s important for people here on the islands to know this as we have so many deer here and they have to be managed,” continued Rachel.

“I do enjoy it but have no plans to become a gamekeeper! It’s a hobby and interest for me. Stalking the deer and finding out which deer are the right ones to take, the run up to it all, it’s really exciting. We have to keep the best ones and we take ones that are not likely to survive. I do like deer and they are tasty as well! It’s about management and we also keep some for ourselves as well as sending some on to the game dealers to be sold on.”

Rachel is committed to living on the island and is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in distilling with North Uist Distillery. 

“I work four days a week and really enjoy the work. Developing recipes and trying new things makes it a fun place to be. I knew when I left school that I wanted to stay here, so I emailed the distillery and began working there a few days a month which then led to me being taken on as an apprentice.”