Huntly Cot
Shoot · Midlothian · 53 followers
53 followers
Nestled in the Moorfoot Hills just south of Edinburgh, Huntly Cot is one of Scotland's most respected purpose-built pheasant and partridge shoots. Run by Patrick de Vink and Head Keeper Gareth Jones, the estate is renowned for challenging sport, stunning scenery and exceptional hospitality.
Hospitality
Hospitality is at the heart of every day at Huntly Cot. Guests begin in the billiard room with bacon rolls, tea, coffee and fruit juices before heading to the field. Our gun bus transports guests comfortably between drives, creating a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Elevenses are served in our hilltop hut, where guns, beaters and pickers-up enjoy refreshments while taking in the panoramic views. Lunch is served back at the shoot lodge and typically includes homemade soup, seasonal dishes, and cheese and biscuits. Catering is overseen by Linda Jones and Kate, who are happy to tailor menus to individual requirements. At the end of the day, guests are offered a brace of plucked and dressed birds.
Birds
Huntly Cot presents strong, high pheasants and partridges throughout the season. Days can be tailored from approximately 150 to 300 birds, depending on requirements and time of year. Birds are driven off the side of the Moorfoot Hills, with some being very challenging, whilst still offering something for all capabilities.
Topography
Huntly Cot is a meticulously designed private shooting estate located in Midlothian, Scotland. Running along the Moorfoot Hills, Its topography plays a central role in the quality and challenge of the shoot. Drives are laid out across steep slopes, offering dramatic elevation changes that produce high, fast-flying birds. Around 500,000 trees have been planted in collaboration with the GWCT, along with miles of hedgerows to enhance cover and habitat. Strategically placed ponds add to the diversity of drives and attract waterfowl, further enriching the sporting variety. The combination of steep hills and well-managed cover makes Huntly Cot renowned for challenging, high birds, especially partridge and pheasant.
About the hosts
Established by his late father Peter, the shoot is now run by Patrick de Vink. Patrick ensures your day is tailored to your preferences, whether you’re looking for a laid-back experience or a more formal setting—the choice is entirely yours.
Travel information
We are 17 miles from Edinburgh and a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport.
Final thoughts
Combining challenging sport, outstanding hospitality and spectacular Scottish countryside, Huntly Cot offers a truly memorable shooting experience.
Shoot here
No dates found. Why not ask the shoot to update their availability?
News & updates
Recommended by 0 guns
Reviews
Dr. David Mathewson
Dear Peter Many thanks for a great day in the field. Every aspect of the day (hospitality, beating, picking up and hosting) had been most thoughtfully considered and executed with finesse and attention to detail. A long journey rewarded with wonderful day to remember. Best Wishes David P.S. Loved the peg markers!
Visit: November 2nd 2020
Rass Randall
Very well designed woodland in truly beautiful countryside allows the very steady release of plenty of testing birds. The owner is a perfectionist in all that he does and it really shows, Strongly recommended for a first class day's shooting in a beautiful environment with excellent hospitality. Six stars throughout, truly deserved
Visit: September 7th 2019
F. M.
I've shot at Huntly Cot many times since Peter kindly invited me for my first ever day. He and his wonderful keeper, Gareth, have altered the bias over the last few years to incorporate Partridge which I guarantee will test even the most able shot. The 'gunbus' almost deserves a review of it's own! I suspect that anyone who shoots here for the first time will soon be keen to return. Elevenses are a great opportunity for a chat with the keeper, the beaters and the pickers-up which I think is so important on the day.
Visit: multiple visits
Mr. Arnold Crook
To anyone considering or lucky enough to take the opportunity of a day’s shooting at the exiting Huntly Cot Shoot I say to you that you will have a Red letter day to remember. This Estate is everything you expect of a day of sport to be and much more . Set in the most beautiful scenery of the Moorfoot Hills the game is very cleverly driven off the top and they are all very exciting and challenging high birds . Early Partridge and later in the season both Partridges and Pheasant, so very exhilarating! Last but not least the host Peter de Vink has great charm with lots of bon amie! He will entertain you royally in the wonderful shoot Lodge with splendid culinary delights and good whisky. Having shot Huntly Cot for many years I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by your decision to book a team for the day. Mr Arnold M Crook
Visit: multiple visits
Ms. Cara Richardson
It was my great pleasure to shoot at Huntly Cot on a fabulously windy September day in 2019. As a keen shot of nearly 3 decades and Scottish Sporting Agent, I highly recommend this hidden gem near Edinburgh. Fine sport, superb hospitality and terrific company. Sincerely hope to return there one day.
Visit: multiple visits