Countryside Learning Scotland

08/06/2026

🎣 Lionel Main Junior Angling Course 2026 – is going international! 🇨🇦

The Lionel Main Junior Angling Course returns to the River Spey from 19th–25th July 2026, continuing its mission of introducing young people to fly fishing, fisheries, freshwater ecosystems, and the confidence that comes from learning new skills and overcoming challenges.

The impact of the course can be life-changing. As one parent of a 2025 participant said:
"The trip was a huge success and after a week, the difference in him was unbelievable. He came home with happiness, confidence and self-belief."

🌎This year, the course is taking that experience even further with an exciting new international exchange project, all thanks to David at Windward Education . We are delighted to welcome two young Canadian anglers to Castle Grant this July, where they will join participants throughout the week, sharing their experiences and creating friendships through a shared passion for angling.

Then, in October, a group of participants will travel to the famous Miramichi River, New Brunswick, where they will reunite with their Canadian friends and experience angling in one of North America's most iconic salmon rivers.

This is far more than a fishing trip. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to broaden their horizons through rural industries across the world. The angling course could not be possible without our generous sponsors Seafield & Strathspey Estates (Reidhaven Estate), Saxavord UK Spaceport Ltd and House of Bruar.
If you are interested in supporting our residentials or other meaningful projects - follow this link https://bit.ly/4uYJJhb

08/06/2026

05/06/2026

🎯 Black Grouse Charity Shoot & Auction 2026 🎯

An incredible day at County Clays last weekend. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, sponsored and helped make the event such a success.

🎉 27 teams competed on the day
💫A record-breaking amount was raised through the shoot and auction
🌱 5 junior teams took part, highlighting the enthusiasm and talent of the next generation
🫱🏽‍🫲🏽 Delivered in partnership with the World Pheasant Association

The funds raised will support CLS in continuing to deliver rural career pathways and opportunities, helping to develop the next generation of the rural workforce while promoting rural resilience across Scotland.

Events like this demonstrate the strength of our rural communities and the commitment of so many individuals and organisations to investing in Scotland's future.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's event our most successful yet.

04/06/2026

Congratulations to the 4 successful trainees from Strathspey young farmers that completed the Lantra Scotland 2 day ATV Sit Astride course at Pitmain Estate, Kingussie.

Our Cairngorms Regional Coordinator was able to offer the training opportunity to the club thanks to Findlay Training and the Next Generation Practical Training Fund.

If your a young farmer, new entrant or just interested in similar rural skills training, head to Skills Hub Scotland and browse the wide range of funded courses available - it is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation to get skilled up!

Massive congratulations to 4 of our members - Zara Mcniven, Harry Ford, Maisie Anthony and Orla Macpherson Raffell, who all successfully completed their Quad training and tests earlier this week 👏

Big thank you also goes to Ellen Grant, Pitmain Estate and Findlay Training who helped us arrange and put on the course 🙏

28/05/2026

Last week, Regional Coordinator Ellen teamed up with Cairngorms National Park ranger Polly to deliver a Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) themed lesson with the S1 year group at Kingussie High School. 🚣🏼‍♀️

The interactive lesson increased pupils awareness and understanding of responsible land use for recreationalists but also considering what SOAC means as a rural/ outdoor worker and land manager.

Polly and Ellen did a fantastic job in relating SOAC and responsible land use to the National Park landscape that the pupils call home. They discussed the fire bylaw, wild camping, access through farmland, moorland and woodland and the ways to minimise land use conflicts. 🍀

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