Kinross House (P&Kinross)

“Available on a strictly limited basis…A secluded Estate that is available to hire for exclusive-use holidays, corporate retreats, family get togethers, special occasions and private events…there are an abundance of activities on offer.” Situated on the north west shore of Loch Leven, Kinross House is just a short drive from the renownwed RSPB’s Loch Leven Nature Reserve on the south shore (“a haven for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike…the reserve is home to breeding waders in spring and summer, migratory geese and Whooper Swans in autumn, and woodland birds all year round.”) Those geese (huge flocks of Pink-footed Geese winter here and are so-called ‘legal quarry’) are a prime attraction for visitors to Kinross House too. Top of the list of ‘Nearby Sporting Pursuits‘ listed on the House’s website is shooting, particularly “wildfowling during the winter months”. Which neatly sums up the approach of the Scottish tourist industry to wildlife. On the one hand it is lauded and protected, on the other – and in this case literally just down the road – hotels are inviting shooters to come and kill it. The supporter who mailed us about Kinross House said, “the sound of shooting and of distressed birds can be heard in the mornings and evenings, ruining a pleasant run, cycle or dog walk.” Shooting is indeed an utterly selfish ‘hobby’…