2023 was a busy year at South Chesthill, with both Chesthill House and Gardener’s Cottage occupied for record numbers of weeks, and record numbers of deer culled.  Not so busy on the river but there’s reason for optimism as explained below.  Thank you to Ainster and Michelle and the team for looking after guests so well whilst staying as helpful and cheerful as always, they do a fabulous job. 

We remain committed to our vision for South Chesthill to remain a traditionally run estate with high standards and sensitive improvements each year.

All our stags are now let, but for both properties have some availability for May, June and July, plus the hind season in November to February.   First come first served!

Fishing

A poor salmon season, and we can’t really blame the conditions nor the effort, both of which were perfectly respectable, with reasonable rainfall and lots of happy (peaceful!) hours spent.  Whilst the average weight was down, congratulations to long-standing tenant Tom Gladwin for the heaviest of the season, an 11 pound hen on a Willie Gunn at Island.  Thank you to everyone for returning their fish. Only 8 for the season, an all time low, it’s amazing to think in 2012 we caught 107 with similar conditions and effort.  It will surely soon reach the point that there are so few salmon left to eat that the seals will give up on the annual feast in the Tay estuary, so I live in hope! 

On a more serious note, having read the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy in depth, I am encouraged.  It is a weighty document that clearly outlines the scale of the problem, and conveys a genuine desire for the future that Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon populations are flourishing and an example of natures recovery.  Whilst there is little within its control that can be done about climate change, the 2023 – 2028 implementation plan contains 51 actions, and even includes a review of the operation of the seal licensing system [by 2025]!  Whether there’s the political backbone for this and a host of other difficult but important actions remains to be seen, and either way, achieving the vision will take much longer than expected, but I am optimistic that, in the end, we will see a recovery in Scottish salmon numbers.

We are lucky to have some tremendous trout fishing on the river and hill loch, which in 2023 was enjoyed by all ages with lots of ‘firsts’, fun and satisfaction.  Plus the odd delicious breakfast.

Please contact us if you are interested in staying for a week (fishing included), or visit FishPal.com (availability is now live) for day permits, with which you can fish for salmon or trout.

Boulder in good flow

Stalking

The season got off to a great start with a young lady of 15 shooting her first stag in August.  From there, things went from strength to strength!  We ended up with an extraordinary 71 stags (45 on the hill, 26 in forestry or low ground), 151 hinds and calves (about 20 shot by Ainster).  This total of 222 compares to the previous maximum of 167 (2009) and shows how much we are doing to help the deer group keep numbers down, to the benefit of the environment.  Well done to Ainster and all those on the score card.  We are fortunate to have such a great hill for stalking. 

We are fully sold out for stags in 2024, but have hind stalking and Chesthill House available between 10th November and 22nd December 2024 and 4th January to 15th February 2025.  See below for more information.

Macnab

It’s been 15 years in the making and I could bore you for nearly as long about my Macnab! But I will spare you and instead direct you to the blog if you have time to read the story. This was followed by attending the Macnab dinner generously given by The Field in London in February, along with 11 other Macnabbers, where I sat next to my old university friend Ali Henton, the editor, who had her first day’s grouse shooting at South Chesthill with me in 2005.

Activities

South Chesthill is about a lot more than just its sport, and many visitors neither fish nor stalk.  Activities on the estate include nature tours, a visit to the hill loch, picnics, bbqs, kayaking, biking, games room, badminton, massages, swimming, walking, and clay pigeon shooting.  Plus on the website you will find a long list of local activities and places to visit. 

Availability & Prices 2024

Tenants have two months from their departure date to pay their deposit to reserve their week the following year; otherwise it is up for grabs.  Please enquire about: 

• Chesthill House: there’s 2024 availability for fishing / holidaying from April to early July, plus hind stalking as mentioned above.  The house sleeps 16 but the dining room is better suited to 12 adults (plus children).  Sunday to Sunday (short-stays bookable within three months).  Six miles river for six/seven salmon rods, trout loch, stalking (stags and hinds). Price range for 2024 is £4,500 to £7,750 for the house, including VAT, excluding sport. Please reply to this email to enquire / book.
• Gardener’s Cottage: sleeps four.  Sunday to Sunday (short-stays bookable within two months).  Trout and salmon fishing and other activities can be booked as an extra, depending on availability. Price range £775 to £1,050, including VAT.  Please check availability via southchesthill.com.
• Fishing only: as mentioned above, you can now book your fishing on FishPal.com from eight weeks before arrival.  Prices from £15 per day for trout fishing and £30-£50 per day for salmon fishing (reduced if you book for 6 days or more). 

Yours sincerely, 

Charlie Ramsay 

13 March 2024