Whether you fancy falconry, fly-fishing, off-road driving or quad biking, there is something for everyone at Auchterhouse, the Nation’s Favourite Shooting Ground!
A getaway to Scotland’s favourite shooting ground could be just the ticket this new year!
Auchterhouse is a firm favourite among our readers, having placed in the Nation’s Favourite Shooting Ground many times over the years. Most recently, in 2017 it came top in the North region for the third successive year, as well as being second overall.
First established in 1989, the ground was a hobby for Gavin Christie that has now turned into much more. Gavin has put his heart and soul into the shooting ground and the rest of the Christie family does the same.
Emma works front of house and runs the Clays Shop while Evelyn, the main administrator, works quietly in the background trying to keep the rest of the family and resident dogs, Paddy, Murphy and Eric, in order. There is also Gavin’s son Drew, who will be a familiar name to many and offers coaching to Scotland’s hopefuls.
Gavin represented Scotland at English Skeet in 1998, the same year Drew was the Captain. Drew has represented Scotland at most of the disciplines, including winning a silver medal for Olympic Skeet at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. Auchterhouse also boasts shooting royalty such as Mike Milne, Kevan Smith and Cathy Fraser among its patrons. It’s certainly not hard to see why – with four Skeet ranges, five DTL, one ABT and up to 15 Sporting stands with a 150-foot-high tower on offer, it also provides floodlit shooting through the winter months.
Auchterhouse has a cosy, log-style clubhouse with leather sofas, a pool table and delicious food provided by Colin, the chef from the adjoining Pear Tree Restaurant, which serves anything from a bacon roll to a full meal, from breakfast and lunch to high tea and dinner.
It also benefits from biomass heating so there are no cold days, even this far north. While there, you can take advantage of the shop, which stocks big brands such as Musto, Toggi, Joules, Alan Paine, Percussion, Beretta and Oakley.
Every year, Auchterhouse hosts a big charity event called The Shoot, which has now been running for 16 years. £2.94 million has been raised for The Princes Trust, Maggies and JDRF since its inception. It is also the venue for The St Andrews Challenge, one of the biggest university competitions in the UK, with 240 students from all over the country competing in November. Auchterhouse also hosts the Annual Ladies Charity Day, which has now been running for 14 years. It’s a firm date in ladies’ calendar and has resulted in over £48,000 raised for many different charities.
It is also part of an extensive activity centre, so there is plenty to keep the family entertained and make it a real getaway. Whether you fancy falconry, fly-fishing, off-road driving or quad biking, there is something for everyone. The ground is also close to Dundee and Perth, and not far from the motorway network, so it is easy to make the most of your stay and see the best Scotland has to offer.
Auchterhouse is a firm favourite among our readers, having placed in the Nation’s Favourite Shooting Ground many times over the years
Prices
Beginners – £45 for 25 clays or £65 for 50 clays, includes cartridges, targets, gun hire & instruction. Also children’s taster session for £17.50
Experienced – £50 for 1 hour plus cost of targets & cartridges
Experienced – £70 for 1 hour with Drew Christie, Commonwealth Games silver medallist and ISSF coach
Who’s who?
Family owned and run by the Christies – Gavin, Evelyn, Emma and Drew.
What’s on offer?
Automatic Ball Trap, Compak, Down the Line, English Skeet, Olympic Skeet, Sporting and 150ft High Tower.
Why Auchterhouse?
A family-run business with a welcoming atmosphere. Auchterhouse has easy parking, easy access, a first-class clubhouse, excellent toilets, disabled access, helpful staff and nicely kept grounds, but the showstoppers are definitely the dogs.
When is it open?
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:00-18:00
Wednesday 10:00-20:30
Thursday 10:00-18:00
Friday 10:00-18:00
Saturday 10:00-18:00
Sunday Closed
Where is it?
Auchterhouse Country Sports, Burnhead Farm, Auchterhouse By Dundee DD3 0QN
Telephone: 01382 320476
Email: info@auchterhousecountrysports.co.uk
Visit: www.auchterhousecountrysports.co.uk
How to get there
Seven miles north of Dundee on the B954
This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of Clay Shooting magazine. For more great content like this, subscribe today at our secure online store www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk
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