ANOTHER great night was enjoyed by all at the GWCT Scottish Auction held at Prestonfield House on Thursday 2 May, generously sponsored by Pentland Landrover, Saffery Champness and Rathbone Investment Management.
As has become customary for this long-established event it was a sell-out, with those attending being treated to a champagne reception and an exceptional dinner prepared by the Prestonfield chefs, with venison generously donated by Highland Game. The main business, conducted by auctioneer Charles Graham-Campbell, had some tremendous sporting lots including an eight-gun day in the Borders with dinner and accommodation for 16 at Duns Castle, a mixed species shoot at GWCT’s Scottish Demonstration Farm at Auchnerran with dinner and accommodation at Douneside House, and a week’s fishing on the Carron.
Bidding was brisk finishing enthusiastically with ‘your weight in Gin & Tonic’ generously donated by Edinburgh Gin. Among the 90 silent auction lots were stalking on Mull, fishing at Amhuinnsuidhe on the Isle of Harris, several lovely holiday houses, beautiful jewellery delicious food and drink, and some golfing opportunities.
The evening raised the spectacular grand total of over £135,000 towards the work of the Trust.
Bryan Johnston, chairman of GWCT Scottish Auction, said: “Once again considerable thanks are due to Prestonfield House, our sponsors, our supporters who, as ever, made this evening a huge success, and the committee.”
“The Scottish Auction remains a tremendous asset in the GWCT annual calendar not just because of the funds it generates but also for its social standing and where those who come know that they will have a wonderful evening in the company of friends. Thank you all.”
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Playfair Walker
Telephone: 0131 445 5570
Email: richard@playfairwalker.com