LONG STANDING Scottish Gamekeepers Association member Ewan Archer has won a brand new Polaris Sportsman 570 in the 2017 SGA raffle.

The Carrbridge gamekeeper, who works at Kinveachy Estate, was handed the keys to the ATV at the organisation’s Perth HQ, after buying his winning ticket through the SGA member magazine. Having entered the annual draw every year since the SGA formed 21 years ago, he admitted he bought his 2017 ticket more in support than expectation of winning.

“Since the outset of the SGA, my family and I have always bought tickets but I didn’t believe it when my wife informed me I had won this year,” he smiled. “A lot of the estates around about us are using Polaris to great effect for grouse moor management and for day-to-day getting about. I am very grateful to Polaris. It is a very generous prize.”

The 44 horsepower ATV is already a popular choice on Scottish estates, as Stratton ATV Ltd director, Iain Stratton, acknowledged: “95% of our custom comes from sporting estates. A lot of gamekeepers will use them for feeding in areas they can’t reach with bigger machinery and for towing behind game feeders. It is great for deer extraction as well.”

SGA chairman Alex Hogg was delighted to see the 2017 prize go to a long-time member. On the back of their successful partnership, the SGA and Polaris are set to renew their arrangement for 2018, with the raffle prize again provided by the company.

“It is really important we have partners like Polaris,” said Mr Hogg. “I have used a six-wheeler Polaris UTV myself for 5 years and it has been really good. In terms of this particular bike, it is a quality product, very sturdy with a good engine. I am sure it will suit Ewan perfectly.”