Sign up now to have a blast at the SSAFA Borders 2024 clay shoot

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14 March 2024

Following a brace of successful clay pigeon shoots organised by the Borders Branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity in 2022 and 2023, another event has been scheduled for Sunday, April 14 this year starting at 9.45 with shooting commencing at 10.30.

To be held again at Bisley at Braidwood, near Selkirk, SSAFA Borders Branch fundraising volunteer and shoot organiser John Currie says the branch is aiming to beat last year’s £6,000 tally.

Bisley at Braidwood – overlooking the Eildon Hills – is described as the largest and most comprehensive sporting clay shooting layout in Scotland, and the charity shoot for SSAFA promises to be a blast for experienced guns and novices alike.

Although for fun and for charity, there will be a strong element of competition to the day with team and individual competition prizes, and the 2024 shoot sees the introduction of a “Pool Shoot”, which will run throughout the day with cash prizes.

John, a retired major late The King's Own Scottish Borderers, said: “Our clay pigeon charity events have everything you need for a truly memorable experience, from the clay shooting right through to delicious lunch and auction of donated prizes.

“With a relaxed atmosphere and excellent catering, your team will be looked after impeccably, so you don’t have to worry about a thing and can instead concentrate on your shooting and raising money for a great cause.

“And remember, although SSAFA, founded in 1885, is a national and even international charity, every penny raised by the Borders Branch goes to help veterans, serving personnel, and their families in the Borders area.”

John detailed one recent example of the great work carried out by the SSAFA Borders Branch, saying: “We recently provided funding of £3,000 – effectively half of what we raised at last year’s shoot – to an Army veteran and his wife who are both in their 70s, and have chronic health issues and a daughter with special needs.

“They’d fallen on hard times, and had amassed council tax and fuel arrears, and needed essential repairs for their home. SSAFA Borders stepped up to help them in their time of need, but it’s only through the generosity of the public that we can do this for our veterans and their families.”

Teams of four can register for the six sporting stands and 60-clay Team Flush for just £320 (£80 per person), which includes a breakfast roll, a buffet lunch, a prize draw, and 75 cartridges.

John added that there are still opportunities for businesses or individuals to sponsor the event or a stand, or to donate a prize for the draw to take place after the shoot on April 14.