Gun Club Inauguration
From Moriston Matters, Issue 6, April 1978.
About a year ago Loch Ness Gun Club realized that if they were to grow and go forward into the future, they would have to put their club on a firmer footing and move to new pastures. Feelers were put out and Mr. Ian Grant, Managing Director, Glenmoriston Estates, kindly offered them the lease of land at Blaraidh. Loch Ness Gun Club thank Mr. Ian Grant very much for this ideal site. It is a perfect setting for their purpose.
After several months of negotiating planning permission has been granted. Not, I may say, without objections from a small minority of non-shooters, which was only to be expected, when you have a democratic society. It is hoped to make Loch Ness Gun Club second to none in Scotland. Clay Target shooting may not be a spectators' sport but it is reputed to be the world's most proficient and exacting sport. It is recognised in the Olympic, Commonwealth and European Games. The rules are strict; No. l rule being – Safety, speaks for itself it has the best record in the land; long may it reign. We hope that the few objectors will come to realize that Loch Ness Gun Club has something to offer the community. It is not an invasion of berserk marsh-cowboys letting off steam! We hope the noise factor will be no greater than heavy lorries passing or jet aeroplanes flying low overhead all day at times.
The majority of people in Glenmoriston will I know, join me in wishing Loch Ness Gun Club all the best; and may they one day produce an Olympic Champion and so let the world know where Glenmoriston is on the map.
Saturday, 24th March, at 11.00 am approximately, saw Mr. Ian Grant, Managing Director, Glenmoriston Estates, officially open the new shooting range at Blaraidh, by firing the first shot to commence the first 50 clay shoot of the season by Loch Ness Gun Club. Although the day was marred by the bad wintry conditions, the shooting was of a very high standard. The high gun for the day was Mr. K. Fleming, Dunblane with a possible 50 x 150. Second Mr. P.J. MacKay, Easter Ross 50 x 149. Third Mr. J.B. Mutch, Elgin and Mr. E. Grant, Invermoriston 50 x 148.
Refreshments were served by Mr. & Mrs. A. Smart and Mrs. L. Grant, Blaraidh. The shooters thank these good people for their very pleasant and efficient service. The prizes were presented by Mrs S. Grant, the wife of the Managing Director. Miss Caroline Grant, Invermoriston presented Mrs. Grant with a bouquet of flowers. A most enjoyable day was had by competitors and spectators alike.
The next shoot will be an open (100 targets) international on 6th May.
D. J. S. (Treasurer)