SAC Sporting – Including 3 nights accommodation

About

Saplinbrae was built in 1756, and was originally a coaching inn, before becoming a rectory, a country house and, finally, a hotel in the 20th century. Our accommodation is just behind the main hotel, spread over 2 lodges – one being a log cabin & the other named the shooting lodge. Both lodges are dog friendly & have the choice of double beds, twin rooms & plenty of living space.  Scott has been a hunting guide in Aberdeenshire, Scotland for 20+ years. Specialising in wildfowl, pigeons, game shooting and deer stalking. Scott has guests all year round who come out shooting and come back year after year and also brings on young shots into the industry too.  Mintlaw has a wide variety of wildlife but geese are the main species, who come in to graze over the farmland.  Mintlaw is 30miles from Aberdeen, with the airport being a little further, roughly taking 36minutes.  Scott has also been in the line of chef work since leaving school & makes Lorne sausage, haggis, burgers & mince with all that is shot throughout his work.

Itinerary

Arrive Thursday 20^th and get settled in the cozy log cabin & shooting lodge and out to the hotel for our first evening meal.

Friday 21^st 5.30 am start – help Scott set up goose decoys, make the hides, sit and wait as the sunrises for geese to arrive.

Head back to the hotel for a full breakfast between 9-10 am depending on how quickly the geese come in.

Afternoon –  Weather dependent we shall go out with the opportunity to walk up through marshland for snipe or stand within the woodland for pigeons.  If the weather is not on our side, Scott will be able to use the time to show us how to prepare birds.

Evening – an hour before dark we shall head out to the duck ponds & be sat in a hide until the ducks arrive. Once we finish we shall head back to our accommodation & get ready for our 2-course dinner at the hotel.

Saturday 22^nd – 5.30 am start – help Scott set up goose decoys, make the hides, sit and wait as the sunrises for geese to arrive.

Head back to the hotel for a full breakfast between 9-10am depending on how quickly the geese come in.

Afternoon –  Weather dependant we shall go out with the opportunity to walk up through marsh land for snipe or stand within the woodland for pigeons – High tea can be arranged at extra cost within the hotel if the weather is not on our side with a chance to look around the local shops.

Evening – an hour before dark we shall head out to the duck ponds & be sat in a hide until the ducks arrive. Once we finish we shall head back to our accommodation & get ready for our 2-course dinner at the hotel.

Sunday 23rd Depart at own leisure.