Logiealmond Perthshire

Flush after flush appeared from both left and right; hardflying birds, some going straight over in a blur of wingbeats to the rough ground behind, others skimming along the face of the slope

- Sir Johnny Scott

High birds and high spirits combine during a convivial partridge day on this revived and reinvigorated Scottish sporting estate

IN 2018 the Mansfield family of Scone Palace offered the historic estate of Logiealmond for sale in that lovely part of Perthshire to the north of Harrietfield, on the southern fringe of the Highlands. Originally acquired by the 4th Earl of Mansfield in 1846 from Sir William Drummond Stewart, the estate comprised 5,500 acres of which 4,560 were rough hill grazing, including 3,000 acres of a former grouse moor, 430 of permanent pasture, 260 of mixed woodland and 85 of ploughable grass. In addition, there were a number of estate houses in poor or derelict condition and a shooting lodge in need of complete refurbishment.

Serendipity was required to find the right people to take on such a mantle, and Rod and Sheila Flavell proved just the ticket. Sheila Flavell was born and brought up in Scotland, and spent her formative years as a tomboy building rafts on the local loch. The couple are both keen shots and, on viewing the estate, they immediately fell in love with it not only as their sporting home but for its potential as a year-round holiday destination for others to enjoy.