Far north's premier fancier is still flying high
Kenny Porteous looks at some of the many pigeon-racing achievements of Callum Miller – still breaking records at the age of 84
Pigeon fanciers in the UK have always faced many challenges while racing their birds. The prevailing weather has always been the biggest factor affecting the ability of the birds to return safely to their lofts.
In recent years increasing numbers of raptors have made the skies even more perilous for the humble homing pigeon.
The birds belonging to fanciers in Orkney and Caithness have another hurdle to overcome. From races over 150 miles the last leg of the pigeon’s journey is over 30 to 60 miles of the North Sea, depending on where they leave the Moray coast.
This demanding crossing has to completed by birds that could have already flown 400 miles.
To enable birds to achieve this they have to be well prepared and conditioned by dedicated fanciers.
There are few fanciers who are more dedicated to the sport than Callum Miller of Wick. For decades he has been the premier fancier in the far north, being the top trophy-winner year after year and gaining the respect of fanciers all over the country.
This is not surprising as Callum’s father, William Miller, started racing pigeons into Wick in 1913. William passed on his knowledge and expertise to Callum, who took pigeon racing to the next level by joining the Scottish National Flying Club.
By careful selection and breeding techniques he created an outstanding family of racing pigeons that have performed well at all distances. In 1969 Callum became the first member of the Wick club to time a bird on the day from over 500 miles.
Liberated in Bournemouth, Callum’s pigeon flew 535 miles in 10 hours and 30 minutes – a record which stands to this day.
In 1971 he was the first member to time into Wick when competing in a Scottish National Flying Club race from Rennes in France. His pied hen took 21 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 715 miles.
In the years to come he would go on to break many more records.
This year, at the age of 84, Callum broke another record by being the only fancier in Scotland to time a bird on the day from over 500 miles. His blue hen was liberated at 06.45 and covered the 512 miles in just over 13 hours.
Callum has always been very generous, donating to and sponsoring many events. His success is well deserved for over the years he has worked hard for his fellow fanciers.