Findhorn Valley Shoot

The Findhorn Valley Shoot offers some of the most sporting birds in the Scottish Highlands through a selection of deep glens, perfectly carved to offer the most impressive topography for driven pheasant and partridge shooting. The Estate is a representation of a perfect mixed Highlands Sporting Estate, with the infamous River Findhorn running through and forming the backdrop to many of the drives.

LOCATION

Unlike many Highland Shoots, the Findhorn Valley Shoot has fantastic accessibility. It lies only 10 miles South of Inverness and enjoys good access to Inverness airport (25 min), train station (15 min) and the A9, which runs adjacent to the Estate boundary.

DRIVEN SHOOTING

The Shoot is able to offer a wide variety of driven shooting across its 25 drives, including some extreme pheasants crossing the Findhorn at drives like the “High Hopes” and “Lily’s”, with other drives showing fast and challenging partridges around heathery hill shoulders at drives such as the “Wee Crochan” and “Shenachie”. On arrival at the Shoot, teams meet at the shoot room, which is a converted traditional Curling Hut, where they are greeted with tea, coffee, and bacon rolls. From there, guns are given a safety briefing before setting off on the day’s shooting. Teams can vary in number from seven to nine Guns, with other non-shooting members of the party being more than welcome throughout the day. There are normally four drives during the day and lunch can either be taken between the third and fourth drive or at the end of the day, depending on the time of year and team’s preference. A substantial elevenses is usually had between the first and second drive. 

Driven Days are available throughout the season with target bags ranging from 120-250 birds per day, at a cost of £55 plus VAT per bird, which includes full hospitality for the guns throughout the day.

WALKED-UP SHOOTING

In addition to the driven shooting offered at the Findhorn Valley Shoot, a selection of smaller mini-driven/walked-up days are also available, with a focus on the peripheral areas of the shoot. These days offer some of the most rewarding sport, utilising the Shoot’s varying habitats and diverse range of quarry. Teams can expect a range of target species to include pheasant, partridge, snipe, rabbit and duck. These days are structured in a relaxed and informal format, largely shaped by the client’s desire. During the day, guns and beaters will typically walk in a line and shoot game as it rises in front. On occasions, guns may also be strategically positioned as a ‘standing gun’ in a mini-driven style. These days are charged at a rate of £45 plus VAT/head with bags ranging from 40 – 80 head depending on team preferences. 

Please note, hospitality is not provided on these days but teams are of course welcome to use the Shoot room facilities.

THE LOCAL LODGE

Due to the nature and location of the Shoot, teams usually travel for a couple of days sport and as a result, the accommodation and hospitality is a critical aspect of booking a day. We are therefore delighted to have a close relationship with the stunning Farr House and can of course assist with the booking of this should it be required. Farr House is an ideal place to stay, eat and relax, and entertain guests around the shoot days themselves. Comprising of eight luxurious bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, Farr House can comfortably accommodate up to sixteen guests. The House is set in secluded grounds with spectacular views, and is only a 15 – 20 minute drive away from the Findhorn Valley Shoot, through the beautiful Tomatin Highlands.