Sir David Beckham has publicly praised Zeki Basan, a Scottish wilderness instructor, for an exceptional experience during a remote camping and fishing trip in Scotland. The excursion, which took place in May of last year for Beckham's 50th birthday on the Hebridean island of Scarba, also underscored the absence of his eldest son, Brooklyn.
Basan, who was raised in the Cairngorms, led Beckham and his sons Romeo and Cruz in activities such as off-grid survival, foraging, traditional fire-making, and open-air cooking. Describing the experience, Basan noted that the Beckhams were "down to earth and engaged with the outdoors," showing a strong interest in the environment. He added, "We were more focused on the environment. They were great company."
Beckham himself shared his positive impressions in an online review, stating, "We had an incredible experience with Zeki, learning new skills and understanding the landscape and habitats that he is so passionate about." He further commended Basan's "knowledge and care for the environment and commitment to protecting traditional crafts," calling him infectious and essential for teaching valuable skills to a new generation.
The trip to Scotland occurred amidst rumors of a feud between David and Brooklyn Beckham, with Brooklyn also missing his father's 50th birthday celebrations. Social media posts from the trip showed David Beckham with Romeo and Cruz, catching and preparing scallops and lobster. In one post, David mentioned banning his sons from using their phones, and in another, he directly addressed Brooklyn, saying, "You were missed Brooklyn."
The extent of the family rift became more apparent in January of this year when Brooklyn reportedly made a statement indicating he did not wish to reconcile with his family.
Basan, who has worked globally from Greenland to Iceland, is preparing to lead a wild craft skills event in Sutherland on September 5. The event aims to celebrate rural heritage and traditional skills, including demonstrating how to turn fish skins into leather. Ian Wright, a fellow former footballer, also praised Basan's expertise, describing him as someone with an "instinctive, almost otherworldly" understanding of the outdoors.