Auction 2015

Presented by Robert Dick, Otterburn, KELSO, Roxburghshire, TD5 8EQ.

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 – 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.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Mr Michael Cannon, Wemmergill Moor Ltd, County Durham.

One day’s walked up Grouse shooting for two guns around part of the perimeter boundary of Wemmergill Moor, County Durham, with an expected bag of approximately 15 brace.

This famous moor is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is known for its productive grouse stocks.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by The Rt Hon the Lord Gisborough, Gisborough Estate, GISBOROUGH, North Yorkshire, TS14 6PT.

Website: www.gisborough-hall.co.uk

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 course 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 2015 – end January 2016, by arrangement with the Estate’s Gamekeeper, Mark Sunley and the Gisborough Hall Hotel.

Presented by The Wellhope Syndicate, c/o Haughton Castle, Humshaugh, HEXHAM, Northumberland, NE46 4AY.

Antony Braithwaite (the Heather Trust’s Chairman) and Stephen Dickinson, both of the Wellhope Syndicate, offer a day’s walked up grouse shooting for six guns on Wellhope Moor. The moor neighbours Whitfield and Allenheads estates and the grouse population has been recovering well in recent years.

Wellhope Moor has great accessibility and marches along with some of the best moors in the world, such as Allenheads, Whitfield and Weardale.

A packed lunch will be provided. Accommodation is not provided, but the Lovelady Sheild Hotel, Alston provides good accommodation next to the moor.

To be taken in October or November 2015 by arrangement with Stuart Furlong, the Gamekeeper.

Presented by Malcolm Hay, Edinglassie Lodge, Glass, HUNTLY, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4YD.

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. An old-fashioned mixed day of exciting, relaxed sport.

A delicious lunch will be provided for the guns in Edinglassie Lodge.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor in early / mid November 2015.

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

Presented by The Rt Hon the Earl of Home KT CVO CBE, c/o Henry Birch, Clarke and Simpson, Well Close Square, FRAMLINGHAM, Suffolk, IP13 9DU.

Website: www.dandaestates.co.uk.

One day’s walked-up rough shooting for 4 or 5 guns at Roberton, near Abington, Lanarkshire. A bag of approximately 50 head of mixed game can be expected.

Guns are to supply their own refreshments.

Accommodation on the Estate can be arranged by separate agreement with the donor.

Douglas Estate is renowned for the quality of the shoot. Hill partridges provide very good sporting early in the season, shooting on both the Douglas and the Roberton Moors. As autumn turns to winter, wildfowl and pheasants take over from the partridges, with spectacular high pheasants shot from the Crawfordjohn coverts, being a true test for any sportsman! The shooting and wildlife on the Estate was immortalized by Sir Alec Douglas-Home in his book “ Border Reflections”.

To be taken in December 2015 or January 2016 - by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by The Trustees of Appleby Castle Grouse Moor, The Estate Office, Chawton, ALTON, Hampshire, GU34 3DQ.

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 about 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.

To be taken in November or December 2015, by arrangement.

Presented by Dick Bartlett, British Moorlands , Knock Dhu, Carron, ABERLOUR, Banffshire, AB38 7QP.

Website: www.britishmoorlands.com

A fantastic opportunity for up to ten guns to get a taste of driven grouse shooting on Speyside, where novel moorland management techniques have been pioneered to optimise grouse productivity and reduce operating costs.

The morning will see a drive on Ben Rinnes, near Aberlour, followed by an opportunity to discuss and examine some fascinating moorland management techniques such as “Narrow Strip Matrix” for heather which is used by British Moorlands on various properties around Morayshire.

Two more drives after lunch will give a further opportunity to shoot driven grouse in the beautiful surroundings of Speyside. Expected bag of about ten brace.

Please note two guns may be walking guns. Guns to bring own lunch.

Details of accommodation and/or restaurants, pubs etc for meals, can be provided by the donor, if required.

To be taken in September or October 2015 by arrangement with the donor. The Donor reserves the right to hold over until 2016 dependent upon grouse stocks. A percentage of the funds go to British Moorlands to cover Beaters expenses.

Presented by Patrick Laurie & Graeme Dalby.

An informal day’s walked up grouse shooting on Criffel hill near Dumfries for two guns. This iconic hill provides stunning views of the Solway Firth and the northern Lake District, but access is very rough and a good level of fitness is required.

The bag will depend on the summer, but is expected to be no more than five brace at best and probably less. The birds are hard-won, but are presented in a relaxed and beautiful environment. Dogs are very welcome/encouraged.

Lunch provided.

To be taken up with the Donor in August 2015.

Presented by Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover and the Trustees of the Glenmuick Estate, Okeover Estate Office, ASHBOURNE, Derbyshire, DE6 2DE.

One day’s hind stalking for one rifle on the Glenmuick Estate in beautiful Deeside, Aberdeenshire. The Estate is a traditional Sporting Estate and is situated in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park, with the mighty summit of Lochnagar as a breathtaking backdrop. It is surrounded by some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.

Accommodation before and after the day’s stalking is being offered in one of the Estate’s holiday cottages for a total of two nights. The cottages contain all the modern comforts, without losing that traditional feel.

Date to be mutually agreed in the coming season.

Presented by The Duke and Duchess of Bedford, Woburn Abbey, WOBURN, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA.

Website: www.woburn.co.uk

A morning or evening stalk to cull Chinese Water Deer on the Bedford Estates.

This is a truly breathtaking experience for both the complete novice right through to the experienced trophy stalker. The Estate provides some really good stalking cover, with a healthy stock of deer on the ground.

The outing is for one gun, however, an additional guest can join you for a fee to be paid directly to the donor. An Estate rifle will be available, if required.

You will be accompanied by the Deer Keeper as this stalking opportunity is strictly limited since it forms part of the management control to keep the deer damage at acceptable levels.

Meals & accommodation are not provided, however, details of highly recommended local public houses are available from the donor.

To be arranged between 1st November 2015 and 31st March 2016 with the donor.

Presented by Mrs Heather Gow, Pitscandly Farm, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3NZ.

2 days’ open hill Red Deer hind stalking in the remote, Ben Hope area of Sutherland. There are some fantastic views in this area.

This could be for one or two people.

The winning bidder will be accompanied by the Stalker. Rifle and Ammo are available by separate negotiation if necessary.

Accommodation is not provided, however the donor is able to recommend some comfortable self-catering accommodation, along with hotels and B&Bs.

Dates to be arranged with donor. To be taken before Christmas 2015.

Presented by Mr & Mrs Ian Duncan, Kildermorie, ARDROSS, Easter Ross, IV17 0YH.

Website: www.kildermorie.co.uk

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 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 per rifle.

For details regarding Kildermorie Estate and May Cottage accommodation, please visit the website.

To be taken by arrangement between mid-November 2015 and mid-February 2016.

Presented by Charles & Hugh Seymour, Stobo Estate, Stobo, PEEBLES, Scottish Borders.

One day’s Sika hind stalking on the Stobo Estate, Peeblesshire.

Set in delightful countryside in the Tweed Valley and only seven miles south-west of Peebles. This is a wonderful opportunity to stalk in this beautiful area of the Borders.

To be taken in January/February 2016 – date to be arranged with the donor. Accommodation is available locally.

Presented by Geordie Burnett Stuart, Crichie, Stuartfield, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, AB42 5DY.

A day’s Roe Buck stalking on Dens and Crichie Estate for one rifle.

Dens & Crichie is an attractive 1,100 acre lowland, mixed arable estate, thirty miles north of Aberdeen. There are 250 acres of woodland on the Estate with terrain rising from 300-600 feet.

The winning bidder will be taken out with the resident stalker. Time and date to be arranged with the donor.

Presented by Broadland Properties Ltd, 137 Scalby Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6TB.

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 2015 – date to be arranged with the donor.

Presented by Ballogie Estate Enterprises, Ballogie Estate Office, Bridgend, ABOYNE, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5DS.

Website: www.ballogie-estate.co.uk

One day’s hind stalking for one rifle on the beautiful Ballogie Estate in Deeside, Aberdeenshire. The Estate Stalker will accompany the rifle.

There is no limit on numbers of hinds shot. Rifle to provide own refreshments.

The Estate can provide an accommodation list and use of the Estate rifle if necessary.

To be taken during November 2015 - date to be arranged with the donor.

Presented by Malcolm Hay, Edinglassie Lodge, Glass, HUNTLY, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4YD.

One morning’s roe buck stalking on the Edinglassie Estate near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

All shooting under the direction of the Head keeper.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor, during June or July 2015.

Accommodation is available – to be arranged separately with the donor.

Presented by Malcolm Hay, Edinglassie, Lodge, Glass, HUNTLY, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4YD.

One morning’s stalking for roe does on the Edinglassie Estate near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

All shooting under the direction of the Head keeper – no limit on numbers.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor, during October or November 2015. Accommodation is available – to be arranged separately with the donor.

Presented by His Honour Judge Stroyan, Boreland, KILLIN, Perthshire, FK21 8TT.

One day’s hind stalking for one rifle on Boreland with the Estate’s Stalker and Argocat.

One hind is expected, with a second as a bonus.

To be taken in November 2015 and arrangements agreed with the donor by 1st November 2015.

Presented by Murthly & Strathbraan Estates, Murthly Castle, MURTHLY, Perthshire, PH1 4HP.

Website: www.murthly-estate.com  

Three days’ salmon fishing for three rods on one of the Murthly Beats on the River Tay. Situated at the foot of the Perthshire hills, this stretch of the river provides some of the most picturesque and peaceful salmon fishing to be had on the Tay.

The current five-year average on Murthly Beat 2 is 311 salmon and 33 sea trout, thanks to the combination of deep pools, shaded banks and the expert help of our ghillie Tony Black, now in his 26th season on the beat.

The river can be fished by wading or from the bank and all beats have their own boat and hut.

To be taken 20th – 22nd July 2015 by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Antony Braithwaite and Stephen Dickinson,

Haughton Castle, Humshaugh, Hexham, NE46 4AY and Crow Hall, Bardon Mill, Hexam, NE47 7BJ.

Two day’s salmon fishing for two rods on the Tyne River in Northumberland.

One day will be spent on the North Tyne at Haughton Castle. Haughton Castle is a very attractive beat opposite Chipchase, Barrasford and Chollerton. The fishing is influenced by Kielder releases and has the Riverhill level gauge on the famous Long Rack Pool.

The other day will be spent on the South Tyne, near Bardon Mill. Crow Hall beat is lovely fly water, just upstream from Haydon Bridge.

Bed and Breakfast accommodation will be provided for the middle night, in a decent local pub.

To be taken by arrangement with the donors.

Presented by Sir Edward Dashwood, Bt. and Jeremy Herrmann, West Wycombe Estate, West Wycombe Park Office, HIGH WYCOMBE, Buckinghamshire, HP14 3AJ.

Website: www.westwycombeestate.co.uk

Three consecutive days/nights (can include Sundays) Salmon and/or Sea-trout Fishing, each day on a different beat, for two rods on the Golden Grove Estate on the River Towy, Carmarthenshire. (Approx 1½ hours from Severn Bridge). This is some of the prime water on the best sea-trout river in the UK.

The Golden Grove Estate has three beats containing over forty pools extending to over five miles of the River Towy. Generally the sea-trout are fished for with a fly at night (although spinning is permitted in high water). The beats produce some 400 - 500 sea-trout averaging over 3lbs each season, including many into double figures.

Prime sea-trout time is June to August although there is also a good run of salmon, especially in September and October.

A professional guide is available to assist (tips only) so beginners are more than welcome.

Accommodation is not included but there is a very good inn nearby with excellent food, which caters for fishermen. It is also a beautiful area with places to visit (Aberglasney, National Botanic Garden of Wales) etc.

The days are to be agreed with the Donor and to be taken May to October 2015.

Presented by Dr Catherine Wills, Knockando Estate, Knockando House, ABERLOUR, Morayshire, AB38 7SD.

Website: www.knockando-estate.co.uk

Three days' fishing for three rods on the Phones Beat on the River Spey.

Knockando Estate has three and a half miles of prime double bank fishing on the River Spey, split into three adjoining beats. The Phones Beat is the middle beat and comprises of eleven main pools. It can be fished from both the bank, by boat, or wading.

Each beat has a fully experienced ghillie in attendance, together with a well-equipped fishing hut and toilet facilities.

You are required to provide your own fishing rods, waders etc. Life jackets can be provided, if required.

Knockando Estate is situated in the heart of Speyside, which is famous for it’s natural beauty, whisky and world class fishing.

To be taken on the 17th to 19th September 2015.

NB: Photographs used in the description are of Knockando, but they are not of the Phones beat itself.

Presented by The Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement, Estate Office, Bolton Abbey, SKIPTON, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX.

Website: www.boltonabbey.com

Two days' fishing for two people on the Bolton Abbey Estate Fishery – River Wharfe. The Estate’s fishery totals some 4.5 miles of double bank fishing on the upper stretches of the River Wharfe and can be enjoyed by anglers of all ages and experience.

The keepered fishery provides opportunities to fish for wild and stocked brown trout, and grayling throughout its water. The seasons are trout (1st April – 30th September), grayling (16th June – 31st December).

To be taken during the 2015 season – date to be arranged with the River Bailiff.