Usually around 730am – Dusk (exact meeting time tbc by email)
All year round
After several years work we are delighted to now offer the most iconic of British birds the Golden Eagle.
Meeting will be around 730am, but this will be confirmed on booking and it will be in Gatehouse of Fleet DG72HY beside the War Memorial/Village pond. Please park up opposite the pond on the Laurieston Road. From here you will follow the hide operator in your OWN vehicle to the hide parking spot
This hide is situated on a moorland quite close to a road so not to difficult to access, but a degree of fitness is required on the 5 minute walk as there is a 15 metre 45 degree incline to walk up just before you reach the hide. Apart from that it is a simple walk.
The main hide itself holds 4 people and has office chairs, a toilet and gimbal plates so a tripod head is best. If not a beanbag will suffice. However there is no handholding in this hide under any circumstances as its enevitable movement will occur handholding.
There is also 2 seperate single occupancy hides each with office chairs and gimbal plates which have been made for people that like to be on their own or if you happen to vape this is ideal for them. However in the 2 single hides there is no toilet and all you have is a bucket as you cannot leave the hide under any circumstances until the end of the day.
Once set up you cannot move lenses for any reason. You will be pointing at the carcas and must stay fixed on this for the duration. No incoming flight shots must be attempted and you must let the Eagle start feeding before any shots are taken. The site has several CCTV cameras with one pointing at the hide so anyone found breaking the rules will without question be banned for life from any hides run by Scottish Photography Hides and it will be posted on social media naming any culprits.
You cannot leave the hide until dusk so please bare this in mind before booking. It is imperative these birds do not see anyone entering or leaving the hide.
Those on DSLR cameras must shoot in silent and single shot. No burst modes.
PLEASE NOTE this is a ZERO TOLERANCE hide
Lens wise around 400mm full frame is best. 500mm is also good however you might clip wings if it spreads them while tearing the carcas.
Please bring adequate food and drink for the day and also in Winter it does get cold so wear adequate clothing. Its also worth wearing decent footwaer as it can be a little slippy on the short walk.
This hide is currently open all year and can only be booked through email at alanmcfadyen@ymail.com However it is advised to be prepared for a cancelation near your date as if it hasnt showed for 2 or 3 days I advise for people to postpone. This doesnt happen often and so far this year (2025) its only happened 3 times. I try to be as fair as possible and offer people the maximum chance.
Cost for this is £180 per person per day
In the unlikely event of a now show a free day is offered in future with in a 12 month period
Remember its booking by email only alanmcfadyen@ymail.com
FREE HIDE OFFER
If you book into Laghead Steading Cottage (see accomodation on top bar ) and you book 2 Eagle days we will offer you a 3rd Eagle day free or if you prefer any other 2 hides I operate. This would be a day and night session on the same day.
Meeting Point
Beside the War Memorial/Village Pond in Gatehouse of Fleet DG72HY
Meeting Time
Monday-Sunday: 730am ( exact time tbc on booking through email)
Photography Hide Facilities
Terms & Conditions
By booking this photography workshop you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.
Additional Information
The short walk can be muddy or wet so good walking boots or wellingtons are recommended.
Available: All year round
Max Participants: 6 Persons
Lenses: 300-500mm
Meeting Point & Time
730am Gatehouse of Fleet DG72HY beside the War Memorial/Village Pond
It is important that clients are there sharp as the hide manager only has a 30 minute window and if you are late you may loose your day. It would also be appreciated if you could be suited and booted and have all required kit ready prior to the meeting. Thanks in advance.
FAQ
From the stated start time you must finish at dusk
Because of our schedule we cannot meet any later than the time stated
It is our policy not to give out our number as in the past it caused to much hassle as we were receiving calls all day and night. We were forced to make the decision to only deal with emails, Facebook messenger or Instagram messages.
No, you are greeted at the meeting point then are told to follow the site manager to the hide where you park up. The hide is only a short walk from here.
If you would like a hide to yourself the number of seats in that particular hide must be paid for.
No
A free day is offered
If the cancelation occurs within one month of the hide date you will unfortunately lose your day altogether. If it is over a month away you will be able to choose another date that must be taken within a 12 month period of the cancelation.
