Tuesday, 11 April 2023

Stratherrick Gun Club was founded in the 1890’s and was originally called Stratherrick Glass Ball Club.  It has been located at various sites over the years but settled at Lyne of Gorthleck in 1922 where it stayed for 52 years, then moved to Druim Temple in 1974 and finally in 1983 at Abersky, Torness where it is now. 

In 2008 the club erected a second-hand cabin and toilet block. A genny was purchased to supply power to the cabin and 3 electric traps with an acoustic release system. These purchases have done us proud until recent years. 

In 2019 we applied for a grant from SSE to help purchase new traps and a new acoustic release system.  This funding was given but then Covid hit, and the pandemic shut down most sports.  After sitting dormant for the next two years, we got up and running again in 2022 but had a lot of maintenance to do to get the place ready before any shoot could take place.  We held a charity shoot in April which went well but wasn’t short of its problems. The traps let us down and new ones we had ordered were delayed so we just had to make do with what we had. The old generator caused us unexpected problems and the scramble was on to borrow a couple to keep the shoot going. It was then apparent that we needed a new generator or something better – connection to the national grid.  We had been informed of grants available from Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust, so we decided to apply to enable us to connect to the grid and therefore not have to rely on an old genny! 

The process was simple, and help given from the team where required. We received the funds in June and the payment to SSEN was made the next day.  In early September we finally got the power in, and an electric supplier was chosen then full connection was made.  Such a huge day for the club – no more running around filling generators with fuel, switches tripping when the microwave was put on and traps failing to fire as the kettle was boiled.  

We held a Christmas shoot on 27th December which 20 entered the competition and they all won a prize. Lots of others were on hand to help with administration, teas and even some tuition with a ‘have a go’ trap which was set up. It was a great day, despite the snow, made all that much easier with our new electricity supply. The clubhouse was warm and inviting, a joy to be in. 

We are now in the process of building the club back up and introducing new members with the help of a Facebook page. Hopefully we will have the club up and running this year without any problems and new members can shoot alongside our old faithful's, the international shooters and those new to shooting. Our new DTL traps and a Rabbit Trap will keep us entertained – without the breakdowns! 

With the funds received from Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust, our club, believed to be one of the oldest in Scotland, shall continue to supply a safe and happy environment for all clay pigeon enthusiasts as well as somewhere for the young ones to learn and hopefully progress in the sport.  We are grateful for the funds from the Trust as without them, the Club may have struggled to stay active. 

For more information you can request to join our Facebook group here.

Or email the Club Secretary, Lesley Matheson, at stratherrickclaytargetclub@outlook.com   

2026

February (2 stories)

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January (12 stories)

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