Clay Pigeon Shooting at Eagle Brae

Clay pigeon shooting in the Scottish Highlands

There are few better places for clay pigeon shooting than a quiet Highland glen. At Eagle Brae, this is one of the most popular activities, and it takes place a mile or so from our log cabins in a peaceful spot surrounded by hills and forest. Beginners and experienced shooters are equally welcome, we provide everything you need, and a guide stays with you throughout.

This page covers what to expect, how it works, and how to book. So, read on, then check availability at Eagle Brae.

What is clay pigeon shooting?

Clay pigeon shooting, also known as clay target shooting, involves firing a shotgun at flying targets made from clay. A machine called a trap launches the clay targets high into the air. This challenges you to shatter them before they reach the ground.

It sounds simple, but in practice, it takes concentration and timing. You need to predict the speed and direction of the clay, then think carefully about your stance and position before you shoot. That combination of physical technique and split-second judgement is what makes clay pigeon shooting sport so absorbing. It’s also why people keep coming back to it long after the first session.

The clay pigeon shooting experience at Eagle Brae

Our shooting ground sits about a mile from the estate, tucked away in a quiet corner of Strathglass. We use a remote-controlled trap, so your guide can vary the elevation and angle of each clay to suit your ability.

Complete beginner? Your guide starts by explaining how a shotgun works and how to handle it safely. You then shoot stationary clays placed on tree stumps, building confidence with a target that stays put. Once you’re comfortable, you move on to flying clays. Most people surprise themselves with how quickly it clicks.

More experienced shooters can go straight to the flying targets and make full use of the trap’s fluctuating angles. Either way, this clay pigeon experience adapts to whoever is holding the gun.

What’s included in your shooting experience

We supply everything you need for the session, taking care of all the kit and preparation so you can simply arrive and shoot.

• All equipment, including clay pigeon guns and ammunition
• Clay pigeons and use of our remote-controlled trap
• Ear defenders for everyone in the party
• A guide with you throughout the session
• Full safety briefing and instruction for beginners

Wear something warm and comfortable, and bring boots or sturdy shoes. Highland weather being what it is, a waterproof jacket is often a good idea.

Safety and what your guide covers

Nobody picks up a gun here without a proper briefing, and that’s true whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. Your guide runs through safe handling before anything is loaded. This includes how to carry the shotgun, where to point it, when to load and unload, and what to do between shots.

Everyone in your party wears ear defenders throughout the session, ensuring complete protection whether you are shooting or spectating. The trap is remote-controlled, so it launches clays from a fixed safe position while your guide manages timing and angles from beside you. This setup keeps the whole party in one place and lets the guide watch everyone at once.

Beginners also get proper coaching on stance, grip and mounting the gun to the shoulder. These are the things that make the difference between missing everything and hitting your first clay, and they’re far easier to learn in person than from a video. Your guide will correct as you go, so don’t worry about booking.

Who can take part?

Clay pigeon shooting suits a wide range of people. Families with older children, groups of friends, couples and solo guests all book it, and no experience is needed.

The minimum age is 12. Our expert guide closely supervises younger shooters at every moment, tailoring the pace of the session to keep them confident and safe. Because our guide teaches the session from the ground up, a complete novice easily shares the excitement alongside an experienced shot.

Clay pigeon shooting for groups and celebrations

Some activities split a group up. This one pulls it together. Everyone stands in the same spot, takes their turn, and watches everyone else take theirs. So, your party shares the same session rather than scattering across a hillside.

It works especially well for mixed groups. Because the trap can be adjusted for each shooter, someone who has never held a gun can shoot alongside a regular without either being bored or overwhelmed. Milestone birthdays, family reunions and groups of friends all book it for exactly that reason. And the friendly rivalry tends to carry on well into the evening.

Larger parties are straightforward to arrange, since our log cabins sleep from two to six and groups often book several. Tell us numbers and abilities when you enquire and we’ll plan the session accordingly.

Why the Highlands make great clay pigeon shooting grounds

Plenty of clay pigeon shooting grounds in the UK sit beside busy roads or industrial estates. Ours doesn’t. You’ll be shooting with hills, forest and open sky in every direction, and the only sounds between shots are the wind and the birds.

Eagle Brae sits in Strathglass, where three glens meet, close to Glen Strathfarrar and Glen Affric. This remoteness is what makes clay pigeon shooting in Scotland so unique, and Eagle Brae is one of the finest clay pigeon shooting locations you’ll find anywhere in the country. There’s no queue, no crowd, and no rush.

Clay pigeon shooting in Scotland: how it fits into your stay

A shooting session takes a couple of hours, which leaves plenty of the day free. Many guests pair it with something else on our activity programme, whether that’s mountain biking through the glens or a walk in the surrounding hills.

Afterwards, you return to your own handcrafted log cabin. Light the wood burner, pour a dram, and talk through who hit what. For groups, shared activity and a private cabin to unwind in is what makes the trip.

Book your clay pigeon shooting activities

Clay pigeon shooting is available all year at Eagle Brae, with a minimum age of 12. Please enquire for prices, as these depend on group size and session length.

Sessions are exclusive to guests staying with us, so book your cabin first and add the shooting when you confirm your dates. That way we can arrange your preferred time with the guide. To book or ask anything at all, contact us here or call 01463 761301.