Brechin Castle, Angus
Brechin Castle has been in the Dalhousie family since the 18th century and the estate covers 55,000 acres of stunning countryside, from rich farmland in the Vale of Strathmore at Brechin and Edzell to the summits of the Grampian mountains.
The shooting at Brechin Castle is in the top drawer of driven pheasant-shooting in Scotland. Extending over 5,000 acres, it can provide two or three consecutive days of shooting over some of the famous drives, such as Aldbar Den and the challenging Island drive at Maulesden.
“Many of our regular parties are from the United States, Texas in particular, with backgrounds in property, ranching and oil,” says estate factor Richard Cooke. “It is very much a private-house experience and Lord and Lady Dalhousie act as host and hostess.”
After the day’s sport, guns and their partners are treated to a black-tie dinner in the Grand Dining Room. “At Brechin Castle we aim for the highest standard in food and drink. Typical menus will include local seafood, roasts, particularly local beef, and, of course, venison and game.” After dinner Cooke often arranges for a piper to play before the party moves on to the drawing-room for bridge, billiards or singing around the piano.
There are eight comfortable guest bedrooms and although the layout of the historic castle precludes en-suite bathrooms each couple has access to a dedicated bathroom.
Pheasant-shooting costs £35 per bird + VAT.
Full board in the castle, for a minimum of two nights, costs £350 + VAT per person per night.
For more information, call Richard Cooke on 01356 624566 or visit Brechin Castle.
Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire