Scottish hunting supporters, tired of eight-hour round trips to meets, have set up a new drag hunt in the Highlands.
The Highland Drag hunt will hold its opening meeting in September and is currently advertising for a huntsman.
“I can’t wait for the new season,” said committee member Sheree Dobson. “I used to hunt with the Fife and the Kingdom Drag, both of which are a four-hour lorry ride away.”
The Highland territory is vast, covering all the country north of Inverness except for a small area around Huntly where a private pack operates.
Joint-master Georgie Rutherford said: “Having a hunt up here is going to make so much difference. Hounds arrived last week from Michael Hughes, who was master of the Kyre.
“We have seven and a half couple and a very naughty puppy that’s busy tearing his walker’s house apart.”
Hounds will be kennelled on the Black Isle, six miles from Inverness.
Ms Rutherford said they have had fantastic support from locals. And a horse trials and country fair have asked them to visit.
Chairman of the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association (MDBA) Pat Sutton said: “The Highland have applied to become MDBA members. Their application will be considered at our next board meeting in June.”
She said the last pack to be formed was the West Wales Farmers’ Bloodhounds in 2008.
The Highland Drag hounds will be at Burgie International Horse Trials on Sunday, 20 June.
• For more information visit: www.highlanddraghunt.co.uk
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (27 May, ’10)
