Hi, and welcome to the spring issue of
Country Lifestyle Scotland

I have to laugh naming this magazine the spring issue, considering there is still snow lying all over Scotland, but I, like everyone else, am praying for some sun to get the grass growing and the 'spring' back in our step.

Speaking of being cold, we spent a terrific day with Strathearn Horse Logging. Even though it was perishing, it was quite a sight to see a horse and handler working so well together. The horse was bred from a long line of Swedish logging horses and this type of work was clearly in his blood. Ghalm, as he was called, never looked happier than when his ears were poked forward listening for direction. That's not to say he was a slave to the call, a fair bit of attitude is essential in this dangerous business to keep safe and he knew when to get himself out of a tricky situation. It was a delight to watch.

Read about this gentle way of managing woodland in the feature that starts on page 32.