Boyhood deer passion prompts Wester Ross-raised man towards Scotland’s Young Gamekeeper of the Year 2021 accolade with royal seal of approval
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FROM boyhood, Jamie Renwick was captivated by deer roaming his father’s farmland near Ullapool.
By 13, he was being tutored in how to control them.
Dad Scott, a sheep farmer, sparked his son’s passion by introducing him to deer management. That led to a career in gamekeeping for the ex-Ullapool High School pupil and, now, royal approval after being named Scotland’s Young Gamekeeper of the Year 2021.
The enduring respect for the beautiful beasts has served him well in his chosen profession.
The 21-year-old received the trophy from the Princess Royal at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace.
He faced competition from gamekeepers, deer managers and ghillies. After leaving Ullapool High, he undertook a modern apprenticeship in gamekeeping and wildlife management at North Highland College UHI.
A work placement at Invermark Estate in Angus in 2016 saw him taken on. He now works his own beat on the estate in the Angus glens, splitting his time between grouse and deer management.
Unaware he had been nominated for the prize, he said: “I have known of other people to win this award, but I never really thought I would do the same. I am surprised and very honoured.”
2021 is a celebration of the work carried out by land and river managers, largely free of charge, on behalf of Scotland’s environment and biodiversity.
