Individualism has become a curse within organisational workplaces as being your authentic self is deemed of greater importance than portraying a corporate identity says Herald columnist Calum Steele

At this time of year, I spend lots of days beating at a local shoot. It’s a great way to fill a day; out in the fresh Perthshire air, thrashing through heather, broom and woodland; taking in endless and ever-changing views, and, best of all, sharing stories and putting the world to rights with the most random selection of some of the finest folk you could ever hope to meet – but would never find together in any other setting. If any politician was looking for a focus group that represents almost every conceivable political leaning, as well as social class, they could do worse than try our beating team.

Shooting teams are by now becoming familiar faces and their courtesy and good humour is only surpassed by their dapper turnout. Every one recognising the value and importance of their day and almost all in their plus 2s, 4s, or even 8s, knitted hose with garters, and, without fail, a collar and tie.

You see, there are standards and etiquette to be maintained on such days and, happily, shooters have no qualms about doing so. In a world plagued by individualism, there is something reassuringly comforting in being part of a tradition that recognises no one person is bigger than the occasion.

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Yet when we look around us, failing to rise to the occasion is now so commonplace that we make excuses for folk who aim for depressingly lower........

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