On Sunday at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the best turned-out stalking pony and ghillie.

Fred Taylor spent nearly his entire career at Invermark, serving as head keeper for around 30 years. He and his wife Anne had planned to breed Highland ponies in retirement – a dream left unfulfilled when he sadly passed away in 2012, just one year before retiring. This heartfelt competition honours his memory and the traditions he championed throughout his life.

“Fred Taylor worked nearly all his life at Invermark and was Head Keeper for about 30 years. He was very widely liked and respected by his team, by the many visitors to Invermark and in the wider gamekeeping fraternity. He was also particularly good at bringing on ponies for stalking and, with his wife Anne, had planned to breed Highland ponies in his retirement.”

Earl of Dalhousie, owner of Invermark.

Fred Taylor Memorial Competition Results 2025

We are thrilled to announce the final results for the Fred Taylor Memorial Competition for Working Hill Ponies from the GWCT Scottish Game Fair 2025.

The 2025 winner of the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies, as well as the Isuzu DMax Truck for a six month lease, was Rob Mearns, with Finches Snowbird from the Tulchan of Glenisla Estate.

Well done to all those who took part!

Position Estate Handler Pony
1st Tulchan Rob Mearns Finches Snowbird
2nd Dalhousie Brad Bourner Galileo Na Dailach
3rd Balmoral Kimberly Watson Balmoral Gairn
4th Strathvaich Guy Grant Rum
5th Balmoral Kayleigh Moran Balmoral Mackenzie
6th Balmoral Lucie Fernie Balmoral Composer

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