Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience, Multi-location

• Learn how to handle a fully loaded shot gun with an experienced instructor
• One of the most testing hand-eye coordination experiences in Scotland
• 25 cartridges for many different types of realistic 'prey' set in natural habitats
• Test your aim & accuracy and have a blast!

A group of four of us headed to the activity centre, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, for an afternoon of clay pigeon shooting.

Upon arrival, we were met by the friendly and enthusiastic team who took us into the activity centre hub; a very cleverly converted shipping container that from the inside looks like a Highland Lodge! The team provided us with tea and biscuits while explaining about the health and safety aspects of the experience and getting us to sign the necessary waivers.

We were then introduced to our instructor for the afternoon’s experience who led us out to the ‘traps’ and kitted us out with ear defenders and safety goggles. With no prior experience, I was a little anxious (but excited more than anything) with how I’d get on and whether I would actually hit any of the clay targets.

Our instructor started us off with the basics with an empty gun; we had to step forward and ensure our stance was correct – the key is to lean towards the target and lie into the gun, following the target with your eyes initially before raising your gun to the target.

Then it was our turn; the clays were swiftly released into the air so it took a couple of attempts to really get to grips with the hand-eye coordination. We each had a number of attempts to hit the clay, with constant tuition and guidance throughout the experience. The instructor was really good at getting us to make subtle changes in the gun alignment to ensure we got a clear shot!

To anyone not pointing the gun, I think it looks quite easy, but the trickiness lies with getting the clay bang on target; a little above or a little below makes all the difference.

Vicki (who happens to be an excellent curler!) turned out to be exceptionally good at hitting the targets only missing one in the whole hour long experience, although the rest of the team weren’t too far behind.

After the experience was over, we headed back to the centre for a quick hot drink before hitting the road home. This was a great experience, I personally can not wait to go back to improve my technique!