As the West of Scotland Committee prepared for the annual black tie dinner at Oran Mor in Glasgow on 12 March, we had no idea it would be many of our guests’ last social outing, and our last fundraising event for the foreseeable future.
Guests were piped into Oran Mor, where they enjoyed delicious Kinrara gin cocktails and were treated to fresh oysters served by our team of mobile oyster shuckers. The West of Scotland Dinner and Auction was hosted by comedian and committee member Fred Macaulay. It is known for its lively atmosphere, amazing auction lots and like so many GWCT events - the food. This year’s event didn’t disappoint, with magnificent fillet steaks from Scotbeef carved at the tables by our table hosts, and dessert served with ice cream generously supplied by Grahams the Family Dairy.
Our local Grey Partridge Officer Fiona Torrance spoke to guests about her work, and delivered a rallying cry on the important part our events play in funding this vital conservation work. GWCT Director Bruce Russell was delighted to receive a cheque for £2,400 from longtime GWCT supporter Peter De Vink, who has been highly successfully operating our sweepstakes scheme.
The silent auction featured a huge variety of fantastic lots, raising over £38,000! Diamonds have always featured at this event, and this year was no exception, with a beautiful diamond necklace from Laings the Jewellers raffled off, raising nearly £4.5K. The live auction had some very fine lots including shooting, fishing and stalking, a luxury holiday, and money-can’t-buy concert tickets, all helping to raise over £28,000. Overall, the event raised £78,000 (net) for the Trust, and 20 guests became new GWCT members on the night.
Special thanks must go to all the donors, table hosts, guest and of course our sponsors: Dawn Developments, RK Harrison and Graham Mackinlay & Co Gunmakers. The dedication and hard work of West of Scotland Committee chairman David MacRobert and his committee must be commended, without whom this event couldn’t happen.