Kyleakin Lofts

Well done all.

Well done all.

Well done all.

Well done all.

We all know it is beginner's nerves for Matthew, especially when he only has six YB's to race. When he only has one back the nerves kick in and the race is a disaster for him. Once the YB's sort themselves out and recover their route, ending with six, the race is no longer a disaster for him. Well done Matthew and your pigeons.

Well done all.

Well done all.

Well done.

Undoubtedly, there will be less to the north, Cumbria being the densest populated area in Europe, I believe. Ayrshire probably following close as are the Lockerbie / Moffat hills. Difficulty in races is not a reason for not attempting the route, however, any venture of this kind must be entered with open eyes, not "rose tinted spectacles". That was the aim of my post, not an attempt at dissuasion.

You were there at the start Robert, I was not, so I am only able to report the information that I was given. Whether we are talking about opinions or fact, I am not in the position to debate and as such will defer to your prior knowledge. Having conceded your point, that only covers a small part of my original comment and not the part containing any relevance to Bobby's original post. The main thrust of my post was regarding BOP and the fact that they live to the north of us as well as to the south of us. Further, they are becoming more prolific to the north of us, since our returns are becoming more difficult within the last seven years. I accept that within that time there has, perhaps, been more opportunity for clashing to occur.

Bobby, this is the reason that Ayrshire North Road Federation started. The members were fed up losing pigeons to BOP. The North Road may be slightly better, but there are BOP on the North Road as well. I started North in 2010 and have noticed since then that there are more and more difficult races regarding returns. North is not the easy racing some think and it is not a BOP free utopia. Bear in mind, the fanciers from Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen, North East and Highlands & Islands have to race this route coming from the south. Ask them, they will tell you whether they have problems with BOP. Also, after you pass Fraserburgh and head into the Highlands & Islands, you are into a completely different "ball park". The terrain is not inviting. Lerwick is not impossible, but it is one really difficult ask, as will be the Faroes.

Well done Matthew, not a lot have 100% returns. Your YB's are doing well and learning all the time, just as you will be.

Well done all.

Well done.

Well done all.

Like you I do not race YB's for the same reasons. I think you have a valid point, but there are other points that require to be sorted as well.

Well done all.

Well done all.

Well done all.

Well done all.

Well done all.

Good morning all.

Well done all.

Well done all.