SHOTGUN/FIREARMS PERMITS

All UK residents bringing their own shotgun or rifle must hold a current UK Shotgun/Firearm Certificate. The former is available from your local police station and can take up to three months to process so it is essential to apply in plenty of time.

If you are using an estate rifle it is not necessary to hold a firearms certificate.

Non UK residents require an Overseas Visitor's Shotgun/Firearms Permit to bring a gun/rifle into Britain, or to buy a gun and ammunition whilst here or to shoot here. We are happy to organise these and require the application form and, if you are coming from Europe, your original European Firearms Licence. Applications must be made at least 8 weeks before your arrival in the UK. Each permit costs £75.

The permit must be signed by the bearer on receipt and will specify the number, description and identification number of the gun(s) it covers. Should the gun or any ammunition be lost or stolen, it is essential that you inform us immediately as we are the sponsors for your permit application. You will need to show your permit on arrival in Britain with your gun and must carry it at all times when shooting.

THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE

All guns should have Third Party Liability Insurance cover of up to £5,000,000 per gun in case of any unfortunate accident. You are automatically insured if you are a member of either the Countryside Alliance or the BASC.

CLIMATE
The weather in the highlands can change very quickly, be prepared for wet weather and temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to 25 degrees + in the summer.

CLOTHING
Whatever clothing one chooses to wear, three important aspects should be borne in mind - comfort, protection against the elements and an eye for camouflage. Some of the best camouflage in the heather is in fact tweed, so plus 4s or 2s would work very well. But generally, wearing drab colours is fine.

FOOTWEAR
Bear in mind that you will be walking on some rough terrain which is wet, maybe frozen - particularly later on during the season. Options range from stout, leather ankle boots with gaiters through ankle length rubber boots to the traditional calf length wellington boot.
We would recommend waterproof walking boots and gaiters.

COAT
Most guns now wear lightweight Gore-Tex jackets, of which there is a wide choice. They are extremely comfortable, very warm and waterproof.

HEADGEAR
Finally, the hat. Choose a traditional British shooting cap and you won't go wrong.

Itineraries can be tailored, but will be similar to the one below.

Shooting package Itinerary

The estate will pick up your party from Aberdeen Airport and transfer to Meldrum House hotel if required.

Evening three course dinner is included. 

Day 1 Wildfowling Day

You will be up early before first light.  After your mornings flight you can either head back to the hotel for a mid day snooze or you can shoot rabbits over ferrets during the early afternoon or walk up some woodcock. With regard to the bag sizes as these are wild birds it is difficult to predict numbers but four guns have been known to achieve from six to sixty geese in a flight.

A packed lunch is provided.

You will then be driven to the best areas to shoot an evening flight of wild duck and goose. This will normally carry on until last light.

Back to the hotel for a three course dinner.

Day 2 White Hare and Grouse Day

After breakfast you will be driven up to an estate near Tomatin (1½ hours approx) to shoot walked up white hare on the moor with a four grouse allowance per gun. There is no limit on the number of hare that can be shot.

This is a particularly beautiful area to walk up hare and grouse on a classic highland moor.

Again an excellent packed lunch is provided by the hotel.

Return to the hotel for your evening meal.

Day 3 Walked up Rough Day

After breakfast you will be driven some 20 minutes to an area where you will shoot walked up Pheasant with a 50 - 60 sixty bag allowance.

An excellent packed lunch is provided.

Back to Meldrum House Hotel for your final night.

Day 4 Depart

After a hearty breakfast the estate will transfer you back to Aberdeen airport.

Other Activities

We can easily arrange roe stalking, rabbit and pigeon shooting, golf, and salmon and sea trout fishing.

For non sporting guests, there are stunning coastal walks nearby as well as being near to Aberdeen town centre and the stunning river Dee valley to explore.

Meldrum House Hotel is situated within 30 minutes of Aberdeen (Dyce) airport.