We recently had the chance to interview Assistant Breed Development Manager Helena Stewart from Pedigree Cattle Services. It was great to unveil more about Helena’s background, her passion for clay target shooting and her personal interests. You can read all about it below!

Where are you from?

I am a farmer’s daughter, originally from Fife.

Where did you start your working life?

I commenced working life within the local Auction Mart, with centres all over Scotland. I frequently attended Pedigree & Commercial Stock Sales throughout UK & Ireland.

What is your background in the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society?

I joined the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society about ten years ago, joining Barbara Webster at Pedigree Cattle Services where Amy Johnstone has also joined us recently. We provide genetic evaluations using Breedplan which produces Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for beef cattle. The work we do is varied and interesting, servicing eight different breed societies. I really do love my work, which is made even more enjoyable by my brilliant colleagues who it is a pleasure to work with. They all have so much to offer, particularly Barbara with her breadth of knowledge in the industry.

How did you get involved with clay target shooting?

I got introduced to clay target shooting at a local syndicate barbecue using the old side-by-side and since then, I caught the bug. I soon got updated to a second-hand Beretta over and under (pet-named ‘baby’). The gunsmith that fitted the gun took me to Auchterhouse Country Sports to try it out and in a short time I was approached by the Scottish coach who in turn persuaded me to compete. I participated in mandatory registered shoots and the national skeet, as well as attending the Scottish Open. Since then I have represented Scotland on a regular basis, and was the highest scored and capped player for Scotland in various categories, my first being in 1995.

What have been some of your best successes in clay pigeon shooting?

I have been blessed with having success in winning the Welsh Open Skeet Open High Gun and English Open Ladies Champion twice. I also won silver & bronze medals at this event, as well as at the British Open Lady High Gun.  I also had the privilege of captaining the Scottish High Gun at the Home International which was a great honour.

What is your most memorable moment?

The most memorable moment was when I won the British Open Lady High Gun with the perfect 100 straight targets shot. I also experienced such a high and delight when I won the Home International Ladies with team-mate ‘Debz’. 

Tell us about the community within clay pigeon shooting?

I enjoy catching up with friends that I have made over the years, there is such a cross section of people at this sport. It’s great to see that the number of women shooting has greatly increased over recent years. The women are shooting at a high standard and are on equal standing with the ‘boys’ these days which is really great to see.

What is your favourite food/recipe?

My favourite food/recipe would be scones, nothing beats a warm scone with homemade jam with a cup of tea!

What is your favourite TV show?

The telly at night is ‘The Good Fight’, spin off from the Good Wife. It’s such a quirky entertainment which is right up my street!

We’d like to thank Helena for taking the time to talk to us. It was great getting an insight in to her background, interests and achievements within clay target shooting as well as learning a bit more about her other interests. From everyone at the Society, thank you Helena!