Written by Patrick Todd, Winner of the Grand Grouse Draw Day.
I have long been buying raffle tickets with no expected hope of success just the knowledge that my modest contribution to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust would help their vital and important research work to support shooting.
Apparently, it is quite normal when the happy winner is rung, to create disbelief and surprise. I was no exception and was quite convinced some of my old shooting friends had conspired to create an elaborate practical joke. Fortunately, this was not the case, and I was the proud winner of a day’s shooting for a full team at Invermark, kindly and generously donated by the owner Lord Dalhousie.
It took a little time, owing to the sad absence of grouse, for the day to be fixed but the Estate honoured its gift, and an alternative pheasant day was offered. Arrangements were made and a team of 5 guns was assembled who apart from a godson, I have known for over 50 years. The GWCT kindly put us up at the Panmure Arms a friendly and welcoming hotel where we had a very enjoyable comfortable stay.
The day dawned and we headed up the Glen to meet Rory Donaldson from GWCT and Garry Maclennan, the head keeper. The scenery was stunning with the hills rising up to the moors and there was even a folly, the Fox Maule monument to satisfy my other interests. We arrived to meet the happy and friendly team and have a bacon roll and coffee. The day then unfolded with four lovely drives all different, all presenting very good challenging birds in superb surroundings in good weather. Rory shepherded us round and did the photography while Gary expertly ran the line to ensure we all got shooting of high quality.
A day to long remember in a lovely part of the world. I cannot thank enough both the GWCT, and the Invermark Estate for so kindly and efficiently organising such an enjoyable day.