About Us
Hidden among the quiet pines of Aline Woodland lies a facility that many visitors pass without ever knowing what’s there. A simple gateway and a gravel track are the only hints of the remarkable venue tucked away just off the main road between Tarbert and Stornoway. But behind the trees is something truly exceptional — a state-of-the-art clay target shooting centre built through thousands of volunteer hours and an unwavering passion for the sport.
This is the home of the Harris Gun Club (HGC), a club with roots dating back to 1900 and a long history of clay shooting in the Western Isles. Our new woodland grounds represent a major leap forward for the sport — a facility unmatched anywhere else in the Highlands and Islands. As project lead Iain “Lava” Macleod puts it:
“A few others might have the same equipment, but none of them has this setting. It is just beautiful.”
A Community-Built Facility
Creating this unique venue has been a true community effort. With support from SportScotland, the Comhairle’s Community Regeneration Fund, generous donors, local businesses, and countless volunteer hours, the club successfully raised nearly £50,000 in funding — and contributed much more in materials and labour. From the trap huts and clubhouse to the roadways, wiring, and infrastructure, the majority of the site was built by hand.
In total, the project represents almost a quarter of a million pounds in real value — an extraordinary achievement for a club of just 45 members.
A Home for Sporting Excellence
Our facility is fully equipped for Olympic disciplines, including Double Trap, ensuring that athletes across the Western Isles — from the Butt to Barra — have the opportunity to train at a world-class standard. The club’s vision is clear:
Why shouldn’t the Western Isles be able to produce an Olympic clay shooting champion?
To help discover new talent, the HGC regularly hosts “Come and Try” sessions for newcomers of all ages. For just £35, beginners receive a safety briefing, tuition, and the chance to shoot 25 clays. Group sessions and on-location events at local shows help us grow the sport across the islands.
Designed for Every Shooter
With eight different types of traps — including the challenging rabbit trap — our range offers every possible clay trajectory. From beginners to seasoned gamekeepers and competitive shooters, there is something here to test and sharpen every skill.
A Club with a Winning Spirit
HGC members have proudly represented the islands at national competitions. In 2015, our team travelled to Orkney for the annual Highlands and Islands Team Shoot, returning home victorious with 319 points out of 400 — and winning both the team and individual ABT titles for the first time in the event’s history.
Later that year, we were honoured to host the Scottish Universal Trench Championship for the first time. The competition made history again when 12-year-old Andrew Hughson claimed the overall Championship, High Gun, and Junior titles with an impressive score of 85/100. HGC members also secured Senior Champion, Class wins, and additional top placements — a proud moment for our club and community.