GWCT Super Auction
Bidding goes live at 12 noon on Sunday 26th April running through until Thursday 14th May 2020
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scotland goes online with ‘super auction’ to replace three fundraiser events
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Auction is one of the blue riband events in the Trust’s fundraising activity. Another casualty of the Covid-19 movement restrictions, rather than abandon the 2020 auction the organisers have joined with GWCT’s Highland and Grampian Regions, whose events were also victims of cancellation, to stage the Trust’s biggest online auction ever.
Bidding goes live on the GWCT website at 12 noon on Sunday 26 April running through until Thursday 14 May. 161 lots are available with a guide value of more than £130,000, and guide prices ranging from £50 to £10,000. The catalogue is available online here.
Lots range from the expected – game shooting, stalking and fishing in all shapes and sizes – to the less expected: a Porsche experience; signed books by Alexander McCall Smith; scallops; VIP passes for Elton John in Glasgow, and much more.
Says GWCT Scottish Auction Chairman, Bryan Johnston:
“The Trust needs its annual Scottish auction – which would under normal circumstances take place with a fabulous black-tie dinner at Prestonfield House, and its regional auctions in Grampian and Highland – to raise funds to support its invaluable research across many aspects of Scotland’s game, wildlife and the environment.
“The continuing generosity of those who have donated an amazing selection of lots and of our sponsors both regionally and nationally, coupled with some creative thinking, means that we can still host a tremendous jamboree online, and that’s what we have decided to do. Our sponsors include Pentland Landrover, Saffery Champness, Rathbones Investment Management and RK Harrison for whose continued support we are extremely grateful.
“This format has its advantages, not least that bidders can join in from the comfort of their own sofa, or home office. Indeed, this year we have global reach and our friends and supporters worldwide can browse the catalogue and bid – and we hope they will. The auction also runs for just under three weeks so it’s well-nigh impossible to miss, and we have plenty of opportunity to spread the word. We will of course lack the excellent hospitality and conviviality at all three events when held under normal circumstances but moving online does provide us with a bright side.
“I would urge all those interested to look at the catalogue online and to bid enthusiastically.”
All proceeds raised from the Scottish Auction, now in its 32nd year, go towards the work of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in Scotland. Bruce Russell, Director Scotland, GWCT, says:
“We are all far more aware of our environment, and climate change is undeniable. It is wonderful that the populations of our small islands are also much more interested in their local environments and the flora and fauna they share it with.
“Never has it been more important for GWCT Scotland to continue to find the answers through thorough peer-reviewed science, and to make the point in the corridors of power and influence the development of practical solutions to changing circumstances.”
The GWCT Scottish Auction catalogue is available to view online and download from: www.gwct.org.uk/scotland/auction/catalogue/
Bidding opens at 12 noon GMST Sunday 26 April.
Examples of lots include:
- Week fishing at Grimersta, Isle of Lewis
- Sea trout fishing on the Tweed
- Stalking on 2 estates on the Morvern Peninsula
- Stalking at Fealar, Perthshire
- A bottle of Balvenie Vintage Cask 1978
- Your weight in Gin & Tonic
- A pair of Sliver Grouse from Denzil Skinner
- Porsche Experience
- Golf at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club
- Scallops delivered to your door
- A year’s supply ice cream !
Photos: Grimersta
Stalking on Fealar
For further information about the GWCT Scottish Auction 2020 contact:
Angela Walker
GWCT Scottish Auction Manager
Tel: 07594 929783
E: scottishauction@gwct.org.uk
Issued on behalf of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in Scotland by:
Dick Playfair
Playfair Walker
Tel: 0131 445 5570
Notes
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.
