Sporting
Fishing
The Iorsa river runs through the heart of the Dougarie Estate rising in the western foothills of Caisteal Abhail and flows south, passing through Glen Iorsa and Loch Iorsa before heading west towards Dougarie and eventually to the Kilbrannan Sound, emptying at the north end of the Machrie Bay.
The Iorsa is a spate river, offering both salmon and sea trout fishing, and consists of two beats. The Upper Beat runs from and includes Loch Iorsa, where a first class wooden boat is available, to the top end of the Gorge Pool. The Lower Beat starts there and takes in the rest of the river down to and including the Sea Pool. A road running parallel to the river provides easy access to every pool and fishing is by fly only! Fishing is available by the week, with two rods on each beat from the middle of June until the end of October.
The estate can also organise sea fishing and lobster potting.
Shooting
A wide variety of game shooting is available from driven and walked up pheasant and partridge shooting to duck flighting (wild of course). There are also both snipe and decent numbers of woodcock at the right time of year.
Prices on Application.
Stalking
As part of the Estate’s continuing policy of protecting and nurturing the environment and habitat, it is necessary to cull a certain number of red deer from the herd each year. This is to ensure that a strong bloodline remains, and to prevent overcrowding and starvation.
Stalking is available for stags from the end of August until the 20th of October and hind stalking from the 21st of October to the 15th of February. The weather is sometimes a challenge but the views are perhaps unrivalled in Scotland, with stunning scenery everywhere you look, particularly over the Kilbrannan Sound to the Mull of Kintyre. On a clear day you can see Islay, Jura and even Mull to the west and north, and Northern Ireland further south.
Prices on Application.
Walking and Wildlife
For those who like walking, there are miles of paths to follow, mountains to climb (the highest peak is Goat Fell at 2866 feet), fascinating birdlife to observe, and there is always the chance of seeing red deer in their native habitat. You are also never far from the shore with fine sands and interesting beaches, where you can explore the rock pools.
Where to go
The nearest shops are at Blackwaterfoot (4 miles away) where you can get all the essentials, though the bread and fruit/fish van (from the Good Food Shop in Brodick) will call on request. There is also a village shop in Pirnmill, 4 miles north of Dougarie.
The main shopping centre is Brodick which is 10 miles away. Here you can find everything from banks, supermarkets and chemists, to restaurants, gift shops and newsagents.
Golf
The Machrie Bay course has been in existence since 1900. A charming and challenging links course, it is highly regarded on the island, and has continuously attracted players of all abilities. This is a family course now run by the Estate with the emphasis on enjoyment. Dogs are also allowed to join in the fun as long as they do not steal your opponents’ golfballs!
There are 6 other courses on the island including the renowned Shiskine Golf Club, a unique 12 hole links course. In addition to this, only a short journey away are the famous Ayrshire courses of Prestwick, Troon and Turnberry whilst on the Mull of Kintyre there is also the spectacular Machrihanish Golf Course. This is situated on the south end of the Mull of Kintyre and is only a short journey away on the Lochranza-Cloanaig ferry.
