Apprentice Ghillie, Edrington - Aberlour

Reporting to the Head Ghillie, the Apprentice Ghillie plays an integral role within the wider estate team, which also includes garden and grounds staff, as well as agricultural and woodland management teams. At the heart of the estate’s work lies a deep commitment to sustainability and habitat conservation.

You’ll bring a genuine appreciation for the outdoors and a strong passion for wildlife and habitat management. Under the guidance of the Head Ghillie, you’ll receive hands-on training in all aspects of fishing and gamekeeping, while working towards a Modern Apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation (SCQF Level 5).

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll develop the skills to become a true ambassador for the estate and its brand. You’ll learn how to maintain the salmon beat, riparian habitats, and associated facilities, all while supporting the Head Ghillie in delivering memorable experiences for guests on the river.

Over time, you’ll gain the ability to quickly assess guests’ fishing abilities and manage pool rotations to suit their skill levels and preferences—always with safety and enjoyment as top priorities. Each morning, you’ll evaluate river conditions to determine the most effective salmon fishing strategy for the day.

Ultimately, you’ll build a strong foundation in salmon fishing, beat management, and guest relations—combining technical expertise with exceptional interpersonal skills.

Make an Impact

• Support the Head Ghillie to develop future plans for Salmon fishing on the Estate taking into account the IUCN classification of ‘endangered’ for wild Atlantic salmon in most of Great Britain.
• Provide a consistent fishing experience in terms of knowledge, coaching and hospitality to a 5-star level.
• Act as a brand ambassador for the Macallan brand and Estate.
• Help the Head Ghillie to develop fishing experiences within the Macallan Estate.
• Develop relationships which spread and enhance the reputation for excellence of the Macallan fishing beat.
• Ensure the health and safety of all guests, employees, and contractors on the beat at all times, checking all risk assessments up to date.
• Responsible for ensuring all safety equipment, life vests etc. are in good condition and inspections are up to date.
• A flexible approach to working hours.  Fishing is let for six days a week during the season, guests may fish into the evening and some assistance may be requested.  Being flexible in hours across the whole year – i.e. potentially working more hours during the season and fewer hours during winter – is a key element of the role.
• Working with the Head Ghillie, identify and develop environmental improvements along the river Spey and tributaries, re-establishing riparian planting and habitat for wildlife.
• Assist with game and wildlife management particularly roe deer, to bring numbers back within recommended levels.
• Participate in wildlife monitoring surveys for Estate indicator/champion species with focus on the Atlantic salmon.

Your Talent and Skills

To be successful in this role, you bring a genuine passion for the countryside, habitat management, and sustainability. You are self-motivated, and reliable, with a friendly and approachable manner when dealing with guests and members of the public. You use your initiative and problem-solving skills to handle challenges effectively, and you’re comfortable planning your workload while maintaining a professional attitude. A full driving licence is essential, as you’ll be responsible for transporting guests and equipment across the estate. Ideally, you’ll have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and be open to adopting and using new technologies as needed. You’re literate, numerate, and capable of completing documentation accurately and efficiently. You live the brand values of excellence and exclusivity, delivering a world-class fishing experience with humility and a deep commitment to everything you do

To meet the Apprentice requirements you must be aged between 16-24 years old.

We’ve put together some criteria that we think is important for this role, but don’t worry if your experience and expertise isn’t an exact match. If you feel that you can add value to our role and to Edrington more broadly, we would welcome your application and be eager to learn more about you.