Auction 2024

Presented by Heather Trust Chair, Viv Gill:

An opportunity for a team of up to four guns to enjoy walked up Grouse shooting (up to two brace per gun) followed by a tutored session in the kitchen with Head Chef, Connor Wilson of the Kirkstyle Inn (recently voted as one of the Michelin Guide's Favourite New Restaurants in 2023). Then enjoy dinner for 4 (to include Grouse) at The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest.  

The Lot includes your choice from a wonderful three-course menu showcasing Northumberland produce, with a focus on local game.  A bottle of wine chosen to perfectly pair with your Grouse will also be included in the Lot.  All other drinks to be paid for, and accommodation to be arranged and paid for separately (at either Williamston Barns or The Kirkstyle Inn).

For those who would also like to include some game fishing, an opportunity to fish along the South Tyne will also be available. (Note - the South Tyne is a spate river and as such any fishing will be available as conditions allow).

To be taken in September/October 2024 in arrangement with the donor.

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, partridge, 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 2024.

Self-catering accommodation (sleeps 4 in twin bed rooms) is included for one night, subject to availability.

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. The rough shooting is part of the syndicate shoot which shoots cocks only. Dogs are welcome.

Guns must stay Friday night at the Gisborough Hall Hotel at the discounted rate of £70 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 during January 2025, by arrangement with the Estate’s Gamekeeper, Mark Sunley and the Gisborough Hall Hotel.

Presented by Cotswold Country Pursuits Ltd:

A day's loading with infield instruction if required. A treat for yourself or a loved one and the ideal way to quickly improve your game shooting.

The donor is based in North Yorkshire and is happy to travel up to 100 miles. If a longer distance and/or overnight accommodation are required, the cost would need to be covered by the winning bidder.

A shotgun and cartridges can be provided if required (cartridges would need to be paid for).

Date to be agreed between the donor and the winning bidder.

Presented by Meikle Logie Syndicate:

Join retired BASC Scotland Director, Dr Colin Shedden, for a day’s driven/walked-up shooting for two guns on a small syndicate shoot in Perthshire, four miles from Dunkeld.

The bag will be modest, mainly pheasant and woodcock, and there may be a duck flight in the afternoon. 

Lunch included, hosted by Dr Colin Shedden in his own home.

All dogs welcome. 

To be taken on a Saturday in November or early December.

Presented by Adrian Thornton-Berry:

Enjoy an evening duck flight for 2 guns on the Swinithwaite Estate in North Yorkshire.

Please provide your own guns.

Non toxic shot only.

To be taken in October 2024.

Presented by Atholl Estates:

One day’s red hind stalking on part of the Atholl Estate, 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 2024 – 2025 season by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Malcolm Hay:

A day's roe deer stalking on Edinglassie Estate, a few miles outside Huntly in the Aberdeenshire countryside.

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

Presented by Mr & Mrs Ian Duncan, Kildermorie:

Website: www.kildermorie.co.uk

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

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.

TO BE TAKEN BETWEEN BY ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN MID-NOVEMBER 2024 AND MID-FEBRUARY 2025.

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

Presented by Roy Fishwick:

Morning or Evening stalk for roe doe for a novice during the 2024/25 season.

Will include a safety demonstration and time for a target session on the range.

This will then be followed by an accompanied stalk, which will most likely be high seat based.

Estate rifle available.

Presented by College Valley Estates:

A day's roe doe stalking for one rifle on the beautiful College Valley Estates in Northumberland.

Date by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Pitlochry Estate Trust:

Enjoy a day's hind stalking for next season on the beautiful Pitlochry Estate in Perthshire.

Dates by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by Robbie Rowantree:

A day of hind stalking in East Sutherland. This can be a "witnessed" day, which will allow the bidder to achieve the DSC2 qualification if they are in possession of DSC1 and registered for the DSC2.

A rifle is available for use, with instruction if required.

Additional days can be purchased directly with the donor.

Presented by The Earl of Home:

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 Hirsel Estate at Coldstream.

To be taken on Wednesday 28th August 2024 by arrangement with the donor.

Presented by The Duke of Buccleuch:
Website: www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk

1 day’s fishing for 2 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.

Dates to be arranged with the donor and are subject to availability.

Presented by Thomas Steuart Fothringham:

One day’s salmon fishing on Murthly Beat 1 (on the Middle Tay) for five rods in August or September 2024 or 2025.

Murthly Beat 1 provides some of the most picturesque and peaceful salmon fishing to be had on the Tay.

The outstanding setting brings people back year after year: water shaded by mature trees on the banks, views up-river to the hills around Dunkeld, and down-river along Strathmore and the Sidlaws. The views have been painted by several artists, including John Millais, David Farquharson, Ernest Briggs, James Kinnear and Alistair Makinson.

The river can be fished by wading or from the bank, and each beat has its own boat for access to water that cannot be reached by wading, and its own hut with modern facilities, which are continually upgraded.

There's also plenty to do in the local area for non-fishing family members. Alternatively, they can enjoy relaxing on the river bank, having adventures in the woods, or taking advantage of the superior hut facilities.

To be taken on a day mutually agreed with the Estate.

Presented by Alastair Riddell, North Chesthill Estate:

Two days' salmon and trout fishing on the River Lyon, Perthshire to be taken, back to back, during the season.

The salmon beats alternate daily. The purchaser can fish for salmon and trout across that beat and can fish the runs across all the estate water for trout, but would be asked to stay away from the salmon pools on the other beat.

There are plenty of local hotels, B&Bs, & cottages.

Presented by Dr Linzi Seivwright:

Dr Linzi Seivwright has donated a day of consultancy for habitat/deer management, including training in upland monitoring if required. An ecologist and Churchill Fellow from an Estate background, Dr Linzi Seivwright is professionally qualified, with over 20 years extensive practical experience of managing deer and a proven track record in managing and delivering deer-related projects, including industry standard Best Practice Guidance.

For the last 15 years, Linzi has worked in the private and public sector providing direct support to landowners and Deer Management Groups and as well as advising on all aspects of deer management planning. She continues to work in partnership with the Association of Deer Management Groups on projects to build capacity within the deer management sector.

Linzi also has extensive national and international experience in other areas of research and conservation including red grouse ecology, endangered species, animal welfare and the development of Wildlife Monitoring Guidance to support Community Conservation in Kenya.

Depending on the location, some assistance with travel and subsistence charges may be requested. To be taken by arrangement with the donor during late spring / early summer of 2024.

Presented by Professor Rob Marrs, former President of the Heather Trust:

A day’s consultancy visit to an area of moorland identified by the successful bidder.

Rob is a leading academic expert on moorland management with a particular emphasis on vegetation management including bracken control and subsequent restoration and heather managment.

It is anticipated that the successful bidder will wish to accompany Rob on the visit and, in conversation, take advantage of his encyclopaedic knowledge of moorland and its management.

To be taken by arrangement with the donor during the summer of 2024. Depending on the location, some assistance with travel and subsistence charges may be requested.

Presented by George Dodds:

A day wildlife watching in north Northumberland with George Dodds. 

The day can either be in the spring or autumn and can suit the needs of the purchaser. 

George is an environmental consultant in Northumberland, chair of Alnwick Wildlife Group and on the board of directors of The Heather Trust. 

He has 45 years of watching wildlife in the UK.

An ideal opportunity for a budding environmentalist or anyone with a general love of nature.

Presented by award-winning wildlife artist Ashley Boon:

Have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all and being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush?

Well, this is your chance to bid for an opportunity of a lifetime to do just that.

Ashley Boon is a British wildlife artist with a passion for Africa. In 2001 his great friend and experienced specialist guide Brian Gibson (who owns and runs one of the longest-established and highly-respected mobile safari outfits in Botswana), invited Ashley to join his safari enterprise. These safaris have now become affectionately known as “Boon-Gibson Safaris” and in 2023, the pair led their 22nd safari in 16 years.

The joy of mobile safari is that you live in the bush in total privacy, 24-7, gifting you the opportunity to enjoy this wild place, undisturbed by anything other than the incredible wildlife that abounds here.

The safari that is for auction will be taken at the end of October 2025 (exact dates TBC), a very good time as the water in the Okavango Delta is at its lowest. The game is therefore concentrated mainly near the water that remains - and the predators are never far behind. It can be hot but it is very productive! During this old-style safari you will seek out a great variety of Antelope, Impala, Waterbuck, Kudu, Lechwe, Steenbock, Reedbuck and Giraffe to name a few. You will see Hippos and Crocodiles and Northern Botswana has one of the greatest densities of Elephants in Africa.

This safari will be for a minimum of 4 people, based on 2 shared, comfortable 'Hemingway-style' tents. More people can join your party, but there will be an extra charge (by negotiation). 

Brian and Ashley guarantee to do their very best to deliver to you the trip of a lifetime. They aim to show you as much of the spectacular wildlife as they can and to share their knowledge and passion for this magical part of Africa.

Further information on what the safari will entail can be found here.

Exact itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Maun via Johannesburg to be met by Ashley & Brian and taken to the River Lodge. Time for a shower etc before going to the Elephant sanctuary for the baby Elephant experience. Please note that you must pay for meals (other than breakfast at the River Lodge) and drinks.

Day 2: Brian & Ashley collect you from the River Lodge and drive them into the Okavango Delta for 7 nights mobile camping (Moremi Game Reserve for 4nights and 3 nights in the Khwai Community Reserve although not necessarily in that order; this will depend on camp site availability. A boat trip on the Delta waterways will happen on the camp changeover day.

Day 9: After breakfast, say goodbye to camp staff before Brain & Ashley drive you back to Maun for the return flight to Johannesburg and onward journey.

Important information:

Flights are not included (NB. Ashley can help you arrange internal flights in Southern Africa).

Full payment must be made before the safari.

The cost includes all transport, accommodation, park fees, guide fees, all meals and drinks (excluding the meals and drinks other than breakfast at the River Lodge on Day 1). It does not include money for discretionary tips for camp staff and guides.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. A base cost must be paid by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund the Trust's work and initiatives.

Presented by Glenmuick Estate:

2 nights’ accommodation for a maximum of 4 guests with a morning (1-3 hours) feeding deer with our keeper who will talk about the deer farm and the deer.

The accommodation will be in one of the Estate's 4 bedroomed cottages (either Antlers or Gardener’s Cottage) that sleeps 4 guests and is fully equipped. Towels, linen and a supply of logs are provided.

To be taken within 12 months of the Sale closing. Because the Estate is so busy during High Season, this trip cannot be taken during August, September or October. Sunday check-ins not available.

Presented in partnership with LuxGive:

This year we are delighted to be partnering with LuxGive to bring you the chance to become spellbound in Venice, Italy, including:

• An opulent palazzo apartment with sun-kissed shared terrace for four guests over four nights
• Private Grand Canal tour, water taxi transfers, daily croissant deliveries, and pre-stocking
• The magic of Venice at your fingertips with the world-famous Piazza San Marco three minutes away
• Dedicated Concierge and trip planning services
• 18 month to travel

Room configuration:

Bedroom 1: King size bed

Bedroom 2: Convertible King / Twin size bed

Bathrooms: 2

12 MONTHS TO BOOK AND 18 MONTHS TO TRAVEL. SUBJECT TO TRAVEL AND AVAILABILITY YEAR-ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE VENICE ART BIENNALE PRE-OPENING WEEK

FLIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. This Lot has not been donated to the Trust and therefore a cost is incurred by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund Heather Trust work and initiatives.

Presented in partnership with LuxGive:

This year we are delighted to be partnering with LuxGive to bring you the chance to lose yourself in Iceland's untamed beauty, including:

• A luxury geodesic dome for two guests over three nights
• Your choice from three Icelandic adventures
• A private hot tub, wood burning fire and, private, fully equipped bathroom
• Premium Guesst Services for trip planning
• 24 months to travel

Bedroom configuration

Master: King size bed

12 MONTHS TO BOOK AND 24 MONTHS TO TRAVEL. SUBJECT TO TRAVEL AND AVAILABILITY YEAR-ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DECEMBER 21ST - JANUARY 1ST.

FLIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. This Lot has not been donated to the Trust and therefore a cost is incurred by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund Heather Trust work and initiatives.

Presented by Richard Cooke:

Treat yourself to a week in one of the stunning Old Springwell Croft cottages, midway between Glencoe and Fort William.

The cottage will have 2 bedrooms and sleep up to 4 people (selected from the cottages: Kerrera, Lismore and Shuna)

Old Springwell Croft is the ideal well-being self catering holiday destination whether it be to explore the Highlands, walk and climb the spectacular mountains, relax from the stresses and strains of everyday life, have a short break, ski at a choice of two resorts, watch the unique Scottish wildlife, go mountain biking, go whale watching, visit the beautiful Inner Hebrides or just have a cosy Winter break. All of these are possible from Old Springwell Croft in the Scottish Highlands.

Within 17 acres of native woodland there are designated walks up to and around the hillside; the higher up you go the more dramatic the scenery becomes as the Lochs and Islands widen out before you.

Old Springwell Croft is teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, pine martins, foxes, badgers, roe deer, eagles, buzzards, woodpeckers, chaffinches, blue tits, goldfinches, song thrushes, to name but a few.

The cottage consists of a sitting/dining room with panoramic views of the Lochs and Mountains. There is a 3 seater leather sofa and a leather armchair, a dining table and dining chairs as well as a TV, DVD and CD / Radio. The fitted kitchen has a fridge/freezer, oven and hob, microwave, toaster and kettle. The bathroom has a modern walk in shower with a fitted electric shower, sink, toilet and cabinet. The cottage has two bedrooms each, one bedroom with a double bed and the other containing two single beds, accommodating up to a maximum of four people.

The cottage is all electric including modern convection radiators and water heating. All windows are double glazed. There is ample parking.

Dates will be arranged with the donor based on availability and exclude high season.

More information can be found at: https://www.oldspringwellcroft.com/