Being an apprentice gamekeeper to both the Queen and a duke makes for a pretty aristocratic CV, but now an 18-year-old from Perthshire has won national distinction.
Greg Sinclair has been named Young Gamekeeper of the Year 2013 having gained his experience at both the Duke of Atholl's Atholl Estates and the Queen's Balmoral Estate..
The award by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) recognises the contribution made to responsible game management in Scotland by a young gamekeeper, ghillie, wildlife manager or ranger. Candidates are recommended by estates and course leaders from Scotland's gamekeeping colleges.
The winner is then judged from a short list, with criteria including adherence to law and best practice and an understanding of the value of gamekeeping to Scotland's biodiversity and economy.
Raised in Alyth, Greg entered the profession initially through a two year Skillseekers programme at North Highland College UHI in Thurso.
He is now studying for a National Certificate through the college while working at Balmoral and has gained experience of management from riverbank to mountaintop.
SGA Chairman Alex Hogg said: "There were a number of very good candidates; youngsters that represent the next generation.
"Their work in creating the conditions for gamebirds and other wildlife such as Curlew, Lapwing, Plover, red squirrel and Black Grouse to flourish in our countryside is vital. Greg has already worked with deer, grouse and on the salmon rivers and shows great potential."
Greg first took an interest in gamekeeping when helping his brother on an estate when he was only 12. He said: "Managing the countryside keeps everything the way it should be and helps maintain a balance. It is not just gamebirds. The work of gamekeepers is important for other species. We have Black Grouse at Balmoral, for example, and there was a lot at Atholl as well."
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