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 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 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 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 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 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/

Presented by P R Wilkinson, Pennyholme Estate:

http://www.theroyaloakgillamoor.co.uk/

A gift voucher for 1 night's Bed & Breakfast with a bottle of prosecco at The Royal Oak, Gillamoor.

Presented by Mill Farm:

2 hectares worth of cleaned treated heather seed combined with advice from the supplier on the best way to prepare the ground prior to seeding.

Presented by David MacRobert:

One of our most popular Lots every year.

What a spectacular sight the flowers will be when in bloom!

Presented by Alec Swan:

A pair of handmade and fine quality Snap-caps. The donor is happy to supply a variety of materials and in any current calibre. The successful bidder will be put in touch directly with the donor.

Price to include postage direct from the maker.

Presented by Alec Swan:

A pair of handmade and fine quality Snap-caps. The donor is happy to supply a variety of materials and in any current calibre. The successful bidder will be put in touch directly with the donor.

Price to include postage direct from the maker.

Presented by Duncan Grant:

A mystery mixed case of 12 bottles of wine.

Delivered to the seller directly from the Wine Society.

Presented by John Styles:

A hand-crafted game bag made from pvc fabric with leather straps.

The bag is approximately 24 inches wide 15 inches high - a standard size bag with a back pocket to hold waterproof leggings. 

The bag will be delivered directly to the winning bidder.

Presented by Lucilla Noble, Fearann Eilean Iarmain, the Isle of Skye:

3 bottles of award-winning Gaelic Gins. The gins are distilled at Eilean Iarmain, in an illicit whisky still.

The Gaelic Gins have won medals in the IWSC - the International Wine and Spirit Competition - and also in the World Gin Awards.

You can read more of the story on the website: www.gaelicwhisky.com

Presented by Kevin Wharf:

1 kg of native wild flower seed collected from meadows in north Northumberland by Kevin Wharf.

The seed is dried, dressed and ready to sow.

It contains a wide range of species including Yellow rattle, Eyebright, Red clover, Ribwort plantain, Meadow buttercup, Bulbous buttercup, Betony, Cat’s ear, Rough hawkbit, Pignut etc.

Instructions will be provided on how and when to sow the seed.

Presented by Kevin Wharf:

1 kg of ready to sow Heather seed. 

Collected and dressed by Kevin Wharf from moors in the Cheviots. 

Instructions will be provided on how and when to sow the seed.