In the heart of the picturesque Stinchar Valley in South Ayrshire lies Minuntion, a family-run farm and sporting estate. With its untouched beautiful scenery, this stunning estate is a tapestry of woodlands, rolling fields, heath moorlands, and the meandering River Stinchar. At Minuntion, guests are welcomed to a world where traditional stalking, shooting, and fishing blend seamlessly, offering a range of unforgettable Scottish country sporting experiences for sporting enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Pheasant Shooting at Minuntion

Minuntion’s reputation as a premier destination for pheasant shooting has been carefully built since the early 1990s by Johnny and Fiona Warrender. Combined with an extensive program of hedgerow restoration and woodland planting, their vision has transformed the Minuntion estate into an idyllic setting for game bird shooting. Now, under the stewardship of their son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Laura, Minuntion continues to thrive, offering both driven and walked-up shooting days.

Each season, the estate hosts a dozen driven pheasant days, punctuated by half a dozen mini-driven or walked-up days, attracting shooting enthusiasts from far and wide. The estate has garnered acclaim not only for its high-flying birds but also for its breathtaking scenery, all meticulously managed by headkeeper Douglas Faulds.

A Day of Shooting

A shooting day at Minuntion begins with a hearty welcome from either Jack or Laura in a charmingly restored traditional Scottish barn, now serving as the dedicated shooting room. Amidst the rustic ambience, guests gather over coffee and biscuits, a prelude to the day’s adventure. Here, shooters select their pegs, setting the stage for an exciting day.

The shooting experience at Minuntion is diverse and sometimes challenging, designed to cater to both seasoned guns and those new to the sport. Spread across 2,000 acres, the estate’s nine main drives utilise a mix of broadleaf and coniferous woodland, steep ravines, and glens. The positioning of guns varies from the banks of the River Stinchar to gun stands in woodland clearings, along hillsides, or across the estate’s sprawling lowland grasslands. This variety ensures that each drive is a unique experience, offering different perspectives and challenges.

Elevenses

Later in the morning, we take elevenses in a quaint fishing pavilion with panoramic river views. Here, amidst the serenity and tranquillity of nature, guests are treated to homemade delicacies like sausage rolls and soup, complemented by a choice of beverages beside a roaring wood-burning stove – a perfect interlude to the morning’s activities.

A Culinary Delight: Lunch at Minuntion

After the morning drives, guests return to the warmth and luxury of the shooting barn for a well-deserved lunch. On the menu are typically, delicious casseroles and, showcasing the estate’s dedication to sustainability and high-quality ingredients. Notably, all the meat is sourced directly from the estate, skilfully cooked by Jack. The meal is rounded off with traditional Scottish puddings, fine cheeses, and a selection of wines, setting the tone for the afternoon sporting adventure.

Fond Farewell

As the day ends, with a drive or two after lunch, guests return to the tranquillity and luxury of Minuntion House for the day’s closing ceremony. In the drawing room, we serve freshly baked scones, cakes, and afternoon tea, offering our guests a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s sporting adventures. This Minuntion tradition marks the end of the shooting day and allows a chance to share stories and the memories made.

Minuntion’s Enduring Appeal

Minuntion is a haven for country sports enthusiasts, offering a blend of traditional sporting, stunning scenery, and unrivalled hospitality. Minuntion’s commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, coupled with the Warrender family’s passion and dedication, makes Minuntion a must-visit Scottish Country Sporting destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of what Scottish country sports is all about. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just a beginner, Minuntion promises an experience that is both exhilarating and genuinely satisfying, a true testament to the enduring charm of country sports in Scotland.