Auction 2018

Donated by Chris Amos:

Make a big day's shooting one to remember by enlisting the help of NGO qualified loader Chris Amos

Chris has years of experience loading across the country and now specialises in double guns for driven grouse, but this Lot could be adapted to suit a single gun on a partridge or pheasant day.

Date to be mutually agreed with the donor.

Donated by Chris Amos:

Make a big day's shooting one to remember by enlisting the help of NGO qualified loader Chris Amos

Chris has years of experience loading across the country and now specialises in double guns for driven grouse, but this Lot could be adapted to suit a single gun on a partridge or pheasant day.

Date to be mutually agreed with the donor.

Presented by Colin Blanchard:

Place your bids for the chance to spend a day with wildlife artist Colin Blanchard in his printmaking studio near Lockerbie. Colin's work is now being sold across the country and his work has been featured in a number of books and exhibitions.

Join Colin for a hands-on day of printmaking, during which you will learn to create your own original linocut or screenprint.

No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided (including a delicious lunch!)

Date to suit by arrangement. Participant must be over 16.

 
Location: Craigshaw Barns Studio, Waterbeck, Lockerbie. DG11 3AH

Presented by Dick Bartlett, British Moorlands:

Spend the day with Dick Bartlett to learn about British Moorlands' unique approach to grouse moor management. Using innovative and progressive new techniques, British Moorlands have pioneered some interesting new methods for grouse production, and many of these challenge accepted tradition - the day is a must-see for anyone with an interest in grouse and moorland management, and it takes place in the glorious surroundings of Speyside.

The morning will be spent counting breeding pairs of grouse using pointing dogs to find and flush the pairs which will give an indication of the shooting potential of the 2019 season.  This is fascinating to watch if you enjoy seeing good gundog work.

The afternoon offers you hands-on experience of moorland work such as heather management, grit site selection and operation, water provision for upland wildlife and predator trapping systems.

The whole day is guided by Dick Bartlett who will explain how modern technology is used by British Moorlands to produce grouse shooting which is technically and financially sustainable, and also affordable to the ordinary shooter.

Please see www.britishmoorlands.com for more information on our work to save our heather moorland heritage through viable grouse production for shooting and falconry.

Suitable for a group of 2 - 10.
Location;   Speyside, North East Scotland
Date:  tba for March/April 2019.

Presented by Professor Rob Marrs, University of Liverpool and The President of The Heather Trust:

This is your chance to bid for a day’s consultancy visit from one of Britain's leading academic experts on moorland management.

Rob Marrs has specialised on moorland vegetation and upland management throughout his career, and he has a particular focus on heather and bracken. Time spent with Rob is hugely informative and valuable, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of moorland plants could help to inform bracken control plans or moorland restoration projects.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor during the summer of 2018.  Depending on the location, some assistance with travel and subsistence charges may be requested.

Presented by The Rt Hon the Lord Gisborough: 

Bid for your chance to enjoy a Saturday’s rough shooting for two guns on the Gisborough Estate together with a day’s fishing for two rods on Priory Pond.

The rough shooting is part of the syndicate shoot and an 80+ bird day can be expected, but the earlier in the season, the better the bag.  Dogs are welcome. 

Also included is the opportunity for two rods to fish for one day on Priory Pond, a restored monk’s pond that was previously part of the Gisborough Priory. 

The recently established coarse fishery offers anglers the chance to catch Bream, Roach, Carp and Tench.  Guns must stay Friday night at the Gisborough Hall Hotel at the discounted rate of £55 per person bed & breakfast, based on two people sharing a twin or double room (an extra charge will be made if separate rooms are required).

Guests may choose to stay on for a second night at the Hotel. Originally built in 1857, Gisborough Hall Hotel opened its doors to guests in 2002 after being carefully transformed into a 71 room, luxury, 4-star hotel. 

Early booking is recommended to ensure the hotel can accommodate you on the dates you wish. 

To be taken from the first Saturday in December 2018 – end January 2019, by arrangement with the Estate’s Gamekeeper, Mark Sunley and the Gisborough Hall Hotel.

www.gisborough-hall.co.uk

Presented by The Trustees of Appleby Castle Grouse Moors:

Enjoy a day’s stand-and-walk shoot for two guns with the expectation of 30-40 head of mixed game - Pheasant/partridge/grouse/pigeon and other various.

Appleby Castle lies at the top of Appleby High Street and the moor is roughly a 25min drive from the middle of Appleby.

The shooting takes place on high ground between 1300-1500 feet, making use of small copses and woods on the edge of the Moors.

One of the most enjoyable things about the moor are the two keepers, both of whom are excellent; Andrew Lofthouse and Andrew Hall.

The successful bidders are expected to provide their own refreshments and lunch and be physically fit.

To be taken in November or December 2018, by arrangement.

Presented by Malcolm Hay:

A classic day’s rough shooting for three to four guns in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, a few miles outside Huntly.

A fantastically varied bag is possible, with pheasant, grouse, snipe, duck, woodcock, hare, pigeon, and rabbit on offer.

This is an old-fashioned mixed day of exciting, relaxed sport. A delicious lunch will be provided for the guns in Edinglassie Lodge.

The day is to be taken by arrangement with the donor in early/mid November 2018.

If required, self-catering accommodation is available by separate negotiation with the donor.

Presented by Dick Bartlett, British Moorlands:

An exciting chance for two guns to experience three small grouse drives in spectacular mountain and coastal scenery on the Glenrinnes Estate and Carron Bridge Estate, Speyside.

The day is hosted by Dick Bartlett on British Moorlands' two demonstration moors where you can see how innovative techniques like automatic trap checking and fully mechanised habitat management have restored viable grouse shooting and biodiversity to formerly unmanaged moorland without the usual high costs.

Expected daily bag about ten brace. Guns will join a team of eight others.

Dates to be confirmed, but the day will probably be held between mid September and mid November - may be held over if a bad grouse year.

Highly commended by Heather Trust Project Manager Patrick Laurie!

Website: www.britishmoorlands.com.

Presented by Robert Dick:

The naturally dramatic environment of the Scottish Borders lends itself to some of the finest pheasant and partridge shooting in Scotland.

On offer is one day’s pheasant / partridge shooting for two guns in a party of eight – with a target bag of 120+ birds of excellent quality.

Lunch, tea and other refreshments are included.

This has proved a very popular Lot over several years, and has a history of highly satisfied donors. 

Likely date to be in January 2019.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Luise Janniche and Michael Bruce:

A fantastic opportunity for 2-3 guns to shoot up to five brace of grouse over pointers. 

The dogs will be provided by experienced handler, Luise Janniche, and the day will take place on the magnificent Glen Tanar Estate on Deeside, by kind permission of Michael Bruce.

This is the classic, alternative form of grouse shooting that requires the guns to work with the trained pointers and their handler.  By its nature, the day will involve walking over moorland and therefore the successful bidders will need an appropriate level of fitness.

This lot may be taken on one of four days: 3rd, 4th 5th or 7th September, subject to agreement with the donors.  If in the assessment of Glen Tanar Estate, the stock of grouse is insufficient to meet the requirements of this lot, the successful bidder will be offered an alternative date in 2019.

Presented by Sir Edward Dashwood:

A morning or evening Muntjac Stalk for 1 rifle on the West Wycombe Estate, Buckinghamshire (30 miles from London).

The stalk will be accompanied by an Estate Keeper (a tip is suggested) and we can arrange the use of an Estate Rifle if the winning bidder does not have their own. The buyer may keep the carcass.

West Wycombe Estate extends to some 5,000 acres and the shoot is managed by Sir Edward Dashwood, Bt, an extremely keen shot himself. Sir Edward Dashwood 12th Bt currently resides at West Wycombe Park with his wife and family.

West Wycombe Estate is consistently referred to as one of the finest shoots in the Country. Today the shoot still ranks amongst the best, and is regularly in the Field’s list of Top Shoots. Certainly it is probably the closest really good shoot to London.

The house is frequently featured in screen adaptations of literary classics such as Cranford and Little Dorrit and more recently in the television series, Downton Abbey. Other films include W.E., The Importance of being Earnest, I Capture the Castle, The Lost Prince and He Knew He was Right. 

There is a nice pub in West Wycombe Villiage if accommodation required. 

To be taken on dates to be mutually agreed in the coming season with Sir Edward Dashwood.

www.westwycombeestate.co.uk:

Presented by Stobo Estate:

Bid for your chance to enjoy one day’s Sika hind stalking on the Stobo Estate, Peeblesshire. 

This well-respected estate is set in delightful countryside in the Tweed Valley and lies only seven miles south-west of Peebles. This is a wonderful opportunity to stalk in this beautiful area of the Borders and the day should be taken in January/February 2019 – date to be arranged with the donor. 

Accommodation is available locally.

Presented by Ballogie Estate:

One day’s hind or doe stalking for one rifle on the beautiful Ballogie Estate in Deeside, Aberdeenshire. The Estate Stalker will accompany the winning bidder, and there is no limit on numbers of hinds or does shot.

The Estate can provide an accommodation list and use of the Estate rifle if necessary, and the winning bidder will need to provide their own lunch.

To be taken during November 2018 - date to be arranged with the donor.

Presented by Argyll Estates:

An exciting chance to enjoy a day stalking hinds for up to two rifles in season on Argyll Estates, Inveraray, the home of the Duke of Argyll.

The winning bidder will be accompanied by the Estate's stalker and can be taken in season (October 21st - February 15th) by arrangement with the estate.

The winning bidder must prove his/her competence with their rifle and produce the necessary certification.

A good level of fitness is required to access the hill ground.

Presented by Atholl Estates:

One day’s red hind stalking on part of the Atholl, one of Scotland's best known Highland estates. Extending to over 145,000 acres, the estate is divided into five sporting beats, each of which offers a different mix of sport and scenery.

The red hind stalking is part of a selective cull and the estate stalker will accompany the rifle, directing guests to the identified cull hinds.

The experience is enhanced by the highland ponies which are used to carry the culled deer where conditions permit and the services of a ghillie and pony are included.

To be taken during the 2018-19 season by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Broadland Properties:

One day’s roe buck stalking for one rifle on the Rothes Forest Estate, near Elgin, Speyside.

The day will comprise of two outings ie. Morning/Evening, with the Estate stalker. One buck per outing is expected, but this cannot be guaranteed.

To be taken in July or August 2018  – date to be arranged with the donor.

Presented by Iain and Janet Wotherspoon

One day’s stalking for 1 rifle on the Glenlyon Estate. Accompanied by the Estate stalker.

To be taken in September 2018, by arrangement.

Presented by Mr & Mrs Ian Duncan, Kildermorie.

One day’s accompanied hind stalking for two rifles on Kildermorie Estate, a traditional Scottish Highland Estate in Ross-shire.

Included is self – catered accommodation for one night for two people, on the Estate, in May Cottage.

Whether you are new to stalking, or an expert shot, all are welcome. Own or Estate rifles may be used.  Each rifle will be accompanied by one of the Estate’s professional stalkers and there is a reasonable expectation of two beasts (eg. a hind and calf) per rifle.

Carcass extraction by garron if conditions are suitable. 

For details regarding Kildermorie Estate and May Cottage accommodation, please visit the website, to be taken by arrangement between mid-November 2018 and mid-February 2019.

Website: www.kildermorie.co.uk

Presented by Graeme Dalby, Mark Andrew & Patrick Laurie 

One day’s accompanied roe buck stalking for one rifle in the beautiful Galloway hills overlooking the Solway Firth. Great views across to the Lake District, Isle of Man and North Pennines, along with some challenging stalking on remote heather moorland.

A rifle is available to borrow if required, and the carcass can be retained by the winning bidder if successful. 

A good level of physical fitness is required, as there is no vehicle access to the hill. 

To be taken during June or July 2018 - date to be arranged with the donor.

Presented by Finegand Estate Ltd Glenshee:

An excellent opportunity for two rods to try this small but easily fished river in beautiful scenery.

The Lot is for a single day, and this is fly only. The river fishes well from June onward. Each beat is approximately 1½ miles long and although it is definitely classed as a spate river, fish can be caught in all waters.

The Shee Water, which is the head waters of the river Ericht and a tributary of the Tay, provides exciting salmon fishing, where sport can be expected to come thick and fast.  It can be extremely prolific – fishing well late in the season. 

This has always proved to be a popular lot with our bidders.

To be taken prior to 31st August 2018 - date by arrangement with the donor, who can also provide the successful bidder with a list of local accommodation.

Presented by The Earl of Dalhousie:

Bid for your chance to enjoy two days fishing for three rods on the beautiful Edzell beat of the River Northesk.

Fishing is let over the Upper and Lower Beats of the Edzell Water (West Bank only). The middle beat is not included, but there are ten named pools.

The upper beat extends from below the Gannochy Bridge on the Fettercairn Road to the Suspension Bridge by Edzell Village and the Lower Beat runs from the top of the Lyn Martin Pool down to the confluence of the North Esk and the West Water.

To be taken this season by arrangement with the donor.

Website: www.dalhousieestates.co.uk

Presented by The Rt Hon the Earl of Home KT CVO CBE:

Enjoy a day's salmon fishing for two rods on the famous Birgham Dub beat of the River Tweed.

Birgham Dub consists of 1 mile of double bank fishing and is a 2 rod, 2 boat beat, with two full time boatmen. The Dub has a wide variety of pools and streams for both high and low water conditions.

Not only the Dub with its pools named the Corbie, Cundy, Galoshan Point, Hens Leg and the Nick; but also (above and below) are the streaming waters known as the Brose, Magrie, the Cradle, the Weil and Jilly’s Cast.

The beat is very well maintained with an excellent fishing hut and other facilities.

Birgham Dub is owned by Douglas & Angus Estates and forms part of the Hirsle Estate at Coldstream.

To be taken on Wednesday 29th August 2018 by arrangement with the donor.

Website: www.dandaestates.co.uk

Presented by The Duke of Buccleuch:

One day’s fishing for two rods on one of the private Castle Beats at Drumlanrig.

Drumlanrig Fishings cover a stretch of the River Nith, which is the largest river in Dumfries & Galloway, and one of its tributaries, the River Scaur, to give a total of 10.5 miles of fishing.

Within that there are two beats on the River Nith where fishing is more exclusive and restricted to a maximum of 5 rods at one time. These beats are referred to as the Lower Castle Beat and the Middle Castle Beat and contain both low and high water pools. These beats are located within the grounds of the Estate with Drumlanrig Castle as a backdrop. 

To be taken in October or November 2018.  Dates to be arranged with the donor and are subject to availability.

Website: www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk

Presented by Tweedhill Ltd:

Bid for your chance to enjot a day's salmon fishing for two rods on the Tweedhill beat of the River Tweed.

Tweedhill is the bottom fishery on the Tweed with 24 named pools offering excellent fly water. The beat excels in low water conditions. 

To be taken on Saturday 4th August.