Up before dawn for duck, bacon sandwiches & coffee in the Gun Hall. Dogs pacing, Hamish sorting out the guns & cartridges. A final briefing then off to the Land Rovers and away to the loch.

In position as the first tinges of dawn appear. The rhythmic flap of wings as the greylags leave the water for a days feeding on the stubble and the first of the duck - mallard, widgeon & teal, come in fast and low to sleep the day away.

On a good morning a fine days sport will be had, but when the birds are scarce the dawns are beautiful and the peace bewildering.

In the evening we go for geese. In position before twilight, skein upon skein of cackling birds darken the sky. Some will pass by at 500 feet, others will circle and drop to Hamish's call.

Walked up grouse, snipe, pigeon and even the odd partridge make for a good morning or afternoon's rough shooting.