A milestone birthday escape to Scotland appears to have offered an early glimpse of a possible strain between Sir David Beckham and his eldest son, Brooklyn, whose absence from the family trip did not go unnoticed.
Yet amid the speculation over tensions behind the scenes, the former footballer has spoken warmly about his time north of the border, singling out the Scottish wilderness expert who helped turn the remote getaway into a memorable adventure.
Sir David, the former Manchester United and England star, has given a glowing endorsement to outdoorsman and wilderness instructor Zeki Basan as the Scot prepares to host a wild skills workshop in Sutherland.
Mr Basan, who grew up in the Cairngorms, met Sir David after the star and his sons Romeo and Cruz arranged a remote camping and fishing trip to mark his 50th birthday in May last year on Scarba, an uninhabited island in the Hebrides.
While Sir David was accompanied by Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21, Brooklyn was not part of the Scottish island escape.
During the trip, Mr Basan, 26, guided the Beckham family through a series of off-grid survival skills, including foraging, traditional fire-making and cooking outdoors.
Wilderness expert Mr Basan has worked across the globe, from the Arctic fjords of Greenland to the forests of Iceland
Zeki Basan (left) with David Beckham and his sons Romeo and Cruz
Discussing the experience, Mr Basan said: ‘I was with the family for three days and David and his sons were very down to earth and engaged with the outdoors.
‘They have an interest in the environment. They learned about the fauna and flora, fishing techniques, fire making and foraging.
‘We did talk about football, and it was fascinating to hear some of their stories. But we were more focused on the environment. They were great company.’
Now, in a glowing review online, Sir David has praised Mr Basan, writing: ‘We had an incredible experience with Zeki, learning new skills and understanding the landscape and habitats that he is so passionate about.
‘His knowledge and care for the environment and commitment to protecting traditional crafts is infectious. We are lucky to have people like Zeki to teach these valuable skills to a new generation.’
Sir David’s trip to Scotland came amid rumours of an ongoing feud with Brooklyn, who also did not attend his father’s 50th birthday celebrations.
The star had shared a series of photographs and videos on social media in May of last year, documenting the trip to Scotland.
He and his sons had caught their dinner during the fishing expedition. They then prepared scallops and lobster before tucking in around the table inside a spartan bothy they had chosen to stay in.
A snap shows Cruz and Romeo inside the rustic bothy where the Beckham boys stayed
Sir David shows off a haul of scallops the group caught during his trip to Scotland
In one post, Sir David said he had banned his sons from using their mobiles.
He wrote: ‘Last time boys were allowed to use their phones. Not so happy about it.’
In another post, featuring a picture of himself with Romeo and Cruz, Sir David tagged Brooklyn and said: ‘You were missed Brooklyn.’
The extent of the fallout in the family finally became clear in January of this year when Brooklyn posted a stinging statement hitting out at his family.
In it, he said: ‘I do not want to reconcile with my family.’
Mr Basan has worked across the globe, from the Arctic fjords of Greenland to the forests of Iceland.
Fellow former footballer Ian Wright, who also went on an outdoor course with his has also praised his skills, writing: ‘Zeki is one of those rare people who seems born from another world, not in a strange way, but in the best possible sense. His understanding of the outdoors goes beyond skill; it’s instinctive, almost otherworldly.’
Mr Basan will lead a wild craft skills event at Ferry Croft, Lairg, on September 5 from 11am to 4pm.
During it, he will share stories from his life in remote landscapes and demonstrate the ancient technique of turning fish skins into leather.
The event celebrates rural heritage, hands-on learning and the passing on of skills that once shaped everyday life in the Highlands and beyond.
