The Macnab Challenge

A Macnab is seen as the ultimate sporting challenge and only a select group has come away successful. The concept was first mentioned in a book by John Buchan entitled John Macnab. This is a fictional tale of three friends who have become bored with their mundane aristocratic lives and yearn for something exciting. They decided to poach a stag and a salmon from nearby estates. The modern interpretation requires a stag, two grouse, and a salmon. All taken in the same day. If the stars align, this feat can be achieved. Having three days to make this attempt will help eliminate some of the barriers to success, however there are no guaranties and the sought after MacNab can easily become the MacNot. 

The day will begin early, before dawn, with two members of the six person Macnab team heading out to the hills for a stag. The rest of the team will go for the salmon. The order will switch each Macnab morning. When a member completes a leg of the challenge, they will be transported to the next leg of the attempt. The day will be long and could end after dusk. Food and water will be available when needed. The staff will be with you every step of the way!

This might very well happen! But having three attempts will help increase the odds and provide a sporting chance. The Field Magazine picked a day to film a Macnab. You can watch the video here: Macnab attempt video.  As you can see, weather and animals have a mind of their own!

Packing your bag and getting yourself to the closest airport is all you have to do. We will arrange pick up from Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis. Book your incoming and outgoing flights so that it aligns with our group pick up time. Rick will be there to greet you. If your flight is delayed, we can arrange a taxi service to bring you to our home for the week. 

In short, we provide airport transfers to the Castle, three Macnab attempts (all guide fees and trophy fees included), food and accommodations, wine with dinner, gun hire (rifle and shotgun) permits, ammunition, ghillies, stalkers, and keepers, and field insurance while shooting. Airfare, gratuities, alcohol, and extra sport on lay days are not included. 

Whether it’s a spouse, son/daughter, or friend, companions are welcome to attend at an additional cost. However, other than observe, there isn’t too much to occupy their time during the week. We will be located on a very secluded island. Your companion would have to arrange their own sightseeing and basically will be on their own, but are welcome to observe if you would like an observer.

Absolutely! Many shooters do arrive early or stay on and go to London, Edinburgh, or Glasgow.  It is up to you, just make sure you are at the Stornoway Airport at the group pick up time - TBA.

The shirt you wear in the morning needs to be fit for fishing, stalking and shooting. A muted cotton checked button down will be fine. Do not wear anything white; the grouse will see you and your chances will be thwarted. No camouflage or blaze orange and wearing drab colors of greens and brown is good. Staying comfortable, warm and dry is most important. Rubber boots, rain gear, warm layered clothing in case of cold weather, good shooting gloves, glasses (polarized when on the water), a tie (optional), and a comfortable jacket. Fishing will be done from the bank or boat, so only pack waders if you have room in your bag. Eye protection and ear protection are highly recommended. Things you do not have to pack are guns, rods, gun slips, cartridge bags, and walking sticks.

• https://www.orvis.com
• https://www.beretta.com/en-us/
• https://thedrybootcompany.com
• www.lechameau.com
• https://www.schoeffel.com/at/en/
• https://harkila.com

The island is basically closed on Sundays. No hunting or fishing (or flights) allowed. Macnab attempts will be tiring for both you and the staff and days off on Tuesdays and Thursdays are needed for everyone to recoup. However, fishing, hiking, and limited opportunities for walked up grouse or stalking will be available both days.

A deposit of half the amount ($6775) is due when booking. The balance due ($6775) and the cost of a companion ($1750), if applicable, is due on May 1st, 2023. We suggest obtaining travel insurance (https://www.travelinsurance.com/) within 30 days of sending your deposit. We will have to pay a non-refundable deposit to the estate, so if you need to cancel for any reason, we can refund your money only if we are able to sell your spot to someone else. If WE need to cancel the trip on our end due to insufficient enrollment or other issues, we will refund your money or transfer the amount to another trip with your approval.

Here is a link to the Castle: Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. This is not a hotel and we will have exclusive use of the entire estate/castle for our shooting team. The castle was built in the 1800's and comes with all the Scottish charm! All rooms are ensuite and we will place the individuals/couples in the rooms at a first come first serve basis. We will eat a prepared menu as a team together in the dining room for every meal, except lunch, which will be packed on days that we are in the field.