By Rory Donaldson, GWCT Regional Organiser Scotland
A terrific evening was thoroughly enjoyed by 110 guests at the Tayside dinner and auction at Glamis Castle on Thursday 16th November.
After reception drinks in the Crypt, the guests were escorted down to the tearoom for a warm welcome from our Tayside Chairman, Mike Clarke, followed by an insightful update on what GWCT Scotland has been up to from Hugo Straker, Senior Scottish Advisor.
Mike Clarke then presented a cheque for £1,000 to Down Syndrome Scotland, which was raised via a multitude of fines and donations from beaters and pickers-up of their wages on “4 Estates Shoot” (Pearsie, Kinnordy, Lednathie and Glenogil) in January 2016.
We then proceeded to the main event – dinner and the auction. We were treated to a delicious meal of duck breast and confit leg followed by cheese and biscuits (thanks to Wild Thyme Catering), all washed down with some very drinkable wine supplied by Peter Ogilvy Wedderburn of Lea and Sandeman.
David Leggat, of United Auctions, then kicked us off with some wonderful lots on show, including a 200 mixed bird day at Feddal Estate, Braco, Stag stalking at Ardtalnaig Estate, jewellery from Malcolm Appleby, original artwork from Harriet Radcliffe, salmon fishing on the Rivers Ericht, Isla, Tay and South Esk and a health and nutritional day for those with a healthier outlook! With the wine flowing and volume raising, David handed over to his young apprentice, Ross Fotheringham, who brought the auction home in style to help raise a total of over £36,000.
Tayside Chairman Mike Clarke commented: “It really was a superb night and we can’t thank the support of the donors, bidders, guests and sponsors (Savills, Thorntons, United Auctions and Lea and Sandeman) enough for their support and also to Lord Strathmore and the team at Glamis Castle for looking after us so well.
“A special mention must also go to our committee members. Without all of these people giving their time and generosity, there wouldn’t be such an event!
“To raise in excess of £36k, an increase of nearly £10,000 on 2015 and double on 2014, is amazing and we look forward to our next event.”
