Kyleakin Lofts

Simple reply to that will be "eh What are you talking about" Someone then might own up to having been asked the questions, but I doubt it because nobody has answered the questions. All they have done is parry them by referring to the guidelines or stating their own opinions which we all know from this site are like ars es, everyone has one. At least this MSP has asked a definitive question. I don't know who put him up to it. I don't know what knowledge he has of the situation, but I expect the answer is a referral to the guidelines.

Interesting reading. When will they be available for prescribing in the UK?

Excellent photo Lindsay.

Thank you for conceding that point. That is exactly what I am doing. The Scottish Government have given their guidelines for stage 1, I have read them, and I am agreeing with the RPRA that the RPRA interpretation of them is correct. I disagree with the SHU interpretation of them. As a reasonable person, I am entitled to use my common sense and interpret the guidelines in a manner in which I think they will allow fanciers to race their pigeons without risking spreading Covid and giving them some opportunity to improve their mental well-being. I do not have to agree with the opinion or interpretation of between one and three members of the SHU Council. I do not have to agree that the emails sent out by the President which are containing inaccuracies if not untruths.

I seriously hope this does not happen, but some will be considering it.

Thank you for your comments. Let me ask you, since you would happily take an experienced horse trainers word over my opinion, which is devoid of any knowledge regarding horse racing, why would you rather take the opinion of a MSP who is devoid of any knowledge of racing pigeons, over that of experienced racing pigeon fanciers who feel that they are able to keep within the Scottish Government's guidelines? From the logical man to the tiddler puppet.

Once again you have no logical, factual comment to make. Just a puppet repeating what you have heard. Does the economy generated by pigeons count for nothing? Betting and gambling are not going to be kickstarting the economy of this country. People have to be able to work to earn a living before they are able to fritter their money on gambling. You will have to put some serious bait on your line to catch any fish. Keep trying tiddler.

When I was younger I had tumblers and fantails. The local touters kept catching them until I learned that mine were flock birds and not to be flown like the touters. I loved watching them high in the sky tumbling and rolling down then climbing back up. I never trained them to be competitive, didn't even know about the competitions.

Happy birthday.

Good morning all.

Good videos. Do they just fly in tight circles or do they tumble / roll?

Covid is a horrible virus. One with which this country has been ill equipped to cope. The political reasons behind this are not for this forum. Racing pigeon Unions are, or should be, in the business of promoting their objects which are racing and showing pigeons. The RPRA are doing this. The SHU are not. This is my opinion. If there are factual reasons why this should be, as a councillor of the SHU, I am entitled to have the facts presented to me. I am not interested in someone else's opinion on the matter unless that person is able to express their opinion in a manner that clearly explains to me where I have gone wrong in my logic. This should be done at a council meeting by video conference, not by phone calls to individuals by individuals. I am not racing, but I will be training, but that is my personal decision. I have no problem in training my pigeons to the coast if the facility is there for me to so do.

Racehorse owners and trainers are travelling large distances to compete in horse racing right now. Golfers are travelling large distances to their local Club right now. Why are they able so to do? Why are they able to follow bio-security measures but pigeon fanciers can not so do? I just don't understand why someone would interpret the Scottish Government guidelines in the manner that the SHU has so done. Pigeon racing is an outdoor leisure pursuit. The Scottish Government relaxed its lockdown to allow outdoor leisure pursuits because they were very aware that the lockdown was having an adverse effect on some people's mental well-being. They suggested that these leisure pursuits be within a 5 mile radius. They suggested this because they were aware that travel to your nearest croquet club could be a lot further than 5 miles. Yes, croquet was mentioned as an outdoor leisure pursuit. The Government issued guidelines to stop the spread of Covid. The RPRA recognise that pigeon racing is an outdoor leisure pursuit and issued guidelines so it could be carried out safely. My Federation looked at these guidelines and decided that they could meet them so they provided the facility to their member Clubs. The Member Clubs looked at the guidelines and decided that they could meet them so they provided the facility to their Members. The Members should look at the guidelines and decide if they can meet them. It is really quite simple. Where is your viewpoint? Is it to allow individuals to make an informed decision or is it to prevent them from receiving the opportunity?

I think you are correct. Sad as that is, the root cause of that problem lies with the Government. They were not ready. They had not prepared for an eventuality like this. Did they mis-manage the whole situation? Are they still mis-managing the situation? When a Government issues guidelines that are so "wooly", there are bound to be cases of people taking everything that they are able to so long as they remain within the guidelines. Leadership is about issuing clear instructions, not instructions that can be mis-interpreted and I am talking about Government when I state that.

If the 2000 SHU members wish to train their pigeons to 5 miles, so be it. I wouldn't bother. Mine fly a lot more than 5 miles when loft flying. If we are not racing then there is no need to put them in the basket for a 5 mile toss. Basket training just sharpens their mind and senses, not much else. However, let's say that the 2000 SHU members decide to train their pigeons out to 5 miles, I'm sure some of them will be out of their NHS locality. Within a 5 mile radius of where I live there are 3 different localities, there is also only 2 shops, only 1 of which sells any amount of groceries and due to location at inflated prices. If I were to shop there all the time for everything I would be bankrupt. I have to travel 20 miles to and from my supermarket. Rather than mass travelling which increases the risk of spread, it would be better to group train as recommended by the RPRA and the West of Scotland Union. Oh dear, I have just issued a statement. Everyone better follow it. Statements and guidelines require sensible interpretation and until someone is able to point out the error in my logic, I shall take care of my mental well-being and enjoy training my pigeons by travelling locally within the 5 miles and allowing my Federation to take my pigeons further to a place where their training will benefit them. Far rather this than killing them and putting them into a black bin bag as some have made in statements.

No document as far as I am aware. Just views and opinions. Correct!!

I have a statement from my MSP which states sounds good, all the best. Stay safe. This after I informed him we had been given the go ahead to train. If this is not an interpretation, why are there so many differing views and opinions? There have been statements issued by the SHU. There have been statements issued by the RPRA. There have been statements issued by the Nicola Sturgeon. There have been statements issued by the Boris Johnstone. There have been statements issued by almost everyone. That is what they are. Statements. It appears to me that if the bio-security measures are observed, then the Scottish Government's guidance is being followed and fanciers will be, at the very least, training their pigeons down the road. This is good for the fanciers and their mental well-being and given the latest statements by some fanciers, good for their pigeons which will not end up in black bags. Are the SHU and the Scottish Government issuing statements that we should all perform a cull within our lofts? I don't think so. Why are these fanciers interpreting the issued statements in that manner?

Alan, the Scottish Government doesn't say no further than 5 miles. That is just the SHU President's interpretation of what the Scottish Government is saying. The Scottish Government recommends local travel to 5 miles for practical reasons, but they have not passed a law to restrict travel to 5 miles. If careful bio-security is practised, then racing could go ahead. Glasgow will be racing from Saturday 13th June under the current RPRA guidance. Why is the SHU's guidance so different from that of the RPRA?

Yet another statement from the SHU discouraging training. Why does an organisation set up to promote the interests of racing pigeons continually issue statements in opposition to the other Unions. Have they decided that the SHU in Scotland is of no use and the RPRA should take over? Have the guidelines been changed since they were announced? Resume outdoor leisure activities. Racing pigeons are an outdoor leisure activity. Stay within your local area, but no law against travelling any distance, so use your common sense. The further you travel, the longer it takes and therefore you will require a comfort stop. You are not allowed to share other's toilets Common sense from the RPRA to travel to your local marking station and observe the proper bio-security measures, just as those who are back at work are having to do. Instead of every member travelling unlimited distance to train, just one vehicle travelling. Toilet on board. This helps the mental well-being of fanciers, something the Government wants to do, and it cuts the risk of spreading the virus to just the one vehicle. Distribution services are still continuing and they are travelling unlimited distances. The latest SHU email quoting Mairi Gougeon MSP shows she has absolutely no understanding about racing pigeons. It has either not been explained to her or she is not interested. She states it is best if ..... Do I value the opinion of someone who has no knowledge of pigeons or no interest in pigeons or do I value the opinion of the RPRA. I know my answer. I disagree with the SHU, but then, as a Councillor, I have not been asked for my opinion Ultimately it comes down to the individual. The individual is the only person who knows their own circumstances and therefore the only person who can interpret the Scottish Government guidance in this matter. Why the SHU President authorised group training and has thereafter spent his time retracting his authorisation, I do not know.

Happy birthday.

Good morning all.

What else could we expect.

Good photos.

Happy birthday.

Good morning all.