Into The Blue

Game of Thrones fans will have noted the striking presence of an elegant falcon in a recent episode.

On the off-chance that you don’t happen to have a sinister guardian emerging from a carriage with a gift of a beautiful raptor, we have the next best thing.

Today’s Big Deal from Into The Blue extends an invitation to enjoy the thrills of falconry and get up close and personal with these magnificent birds of prey at the falconry centre at the Strathblane Country House Hotel near Glasgow. With the opportunity to fly the birds to hand, it’s a unique experience that will create vivid memories for any wildlife enthusiast.

Falconry thrills

The Big Deal offers a variety of options at Strathblane, to suit your available time and preferences.

Option one is for one person to have a taster session of around an hour, meeting the birds and having the chance to handle and fly them.

Option two is for one person to have a half day experience of around three hours, offering more flying time with the birds and the chance to learn about their behaviour and characteristics.

Option three is a full day experience of around six hours for one person, offering an in-depth introduction to falconry, extended sessions of flying to hand, with a break for light lunch.

Option four is the full day experience for two people, an ideal day out for a bird-loving couple.

Majestic birds of prey

The Strathblane Falconry is not normally open to the public, so this Big Deal offers exclusive access for guests to encounter and fly the magnificent birds.

The action takes place against the scenic backdrop of the Campsie Fells and Ben Lomond, in the idyllic grounds of the Strathblane Country House Hotel.

Sessions begin with an introduction to the 18 birds flourishing in their wild and very natural habitat of hedgerows, open fields and rolling countryside. The avian stars in this setting include Midge the White Faced Scops Owl, Artemis the Steppe Eagle (the largest of the raptors here), Albert the Barn Owl and Gigha the Peregrine Falcon.

Falconer and centre owner Graeme offers instruction on handling and flying the birds, as well as sharing his knowledge and boundless enthusiasm for a sport that he first discovered through a similar voucher offer.

Thrilled clients

The Strathblane Falconry has plenty of positive feedback from happy visitors. Recent TripAdvisor reviews include the following:

‘Had a really enjoyable morning learning about falconry. The birds were amazing and Graeme was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Would recommend for a fun day out.’

‘The full day experience really was a full day, no corners cut, which Graeme put huge energy into. I left feeling it had been a privilege to share for a day his passion for falconry. He clearly believes in doing things as they should be done and as such the experience is not made touchy-feely or touristy. It is an opportunity to spend a day gaining an insight into falconry. This includes the memorable opportunity to fly many of the birds.’

Flights of fancy

This Big Deal Falconry experience from Into The Blue is a great opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures, in beautiful surroundings just eight miles from central Glasgow.

Whether it’s just a taster or a full day immersion in this historic sport, this offer would make an ideal gift for a friend with a passion for birds, or maybe an anniversary outing for a couple fascinated by raptors.