When John Buchan wrote John Macnab in 1925 (his second most popular novel after The 39 Steps), the three protagonists – Sir Edward Leithen, John Palliser-Yeates and Lord Lamancha – were stricken with ennui. As they slump disconsolately in their London Club an idea takes shape. Something with just enough dash and derring-do. An adventure to raise the spirits and drag them from the doldrums. The plot is laid. A letter will be written to three Highlands estates purporting to be from one ‘John Macnab’, who makes it known that he intends to take a salmon or a stag from under their noses within 48 hours and deliver it to their door. Failure is not an option; reputation and club memberships are at stake.
REAL-LIFE CHARACTER
A letter written to The Field in 1951 revealed how Buchan’s excellent book had taken inspiration from a real character, Captain James Brander Dunbar. A season with too few shooting invitations had led him to boast that he could kill a beast in any forest in Scotland. The challenge was met by Lord Abinger, and Brander Dunbar headed north where after a couple of blank days he took a six-pointer at Inverlochy without detection, until he presented himself at the castle in the afternoon. His sporting vigour was the perfect foundation for Buchan’s story with its perennial appeal, which comes from the author’s deep understanding of the natural and sporting world, his knack for adventure and sharp social insight.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays