RAISING AWARENESS OF VENTURE SCOTLAND AT THE BUCCLEUCH PROPERTY CHALLENGE 2026

Team HL headed to Scotland once again last week to compete in the Buccleuch Property Challenge, an industry-wide challenge to put their mental and physical capabilities to the test while raising funds for a mental health support organisation.

Matthew Tilt, Neil Slade and Sam Silcocks made up the Harris Lamb contingent in the event at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, as one of 97 rival teams from the property sector, with tasks including running, mountain biking, orienteering and paddle boarding.

The event aimed to raise £10,000 for its 2026 charity partner Venture Scotland, an organisation which empowers young people aged between 16 and 30 who are facing complex challenges. Venture Scotland aims to understand and then improve their mental health and emotions and in doing so, change the course of their lives by delivering a progressive outdoor-based personal development programme using Scotlands’s natural environments.

Matthew said: “This is always a well organised, challenging and very worthwhile event, raising awareness and funds for important causes while bringing professionals from across the industry together in a spectacular setting.

“The key to success is not just about physical strength, it’s about tactical thinking, timing and teamwork. Because the course is different every year, it isn’t really possible to plan ahead, so it really brings those skills to the fore. We were placed a respectable 14th out of 97, which we were very pleased with, and most importantly, we helped raise awareness of and vital funds for a valuable mental health charity,” he said.

Using both remote environments and those within local communities, Venture Scotland’s programmes deliver regular group-based outdoor activities such as rock climbing and canoeing, life skills sessions, and bothy or camping residentials, backed up by 1-2-1 support sessions to introduce participants to routine, mindfulness and meaningful activity.

The sessions aim to develop caring relationships, safe spaces with peers, regular sleeping and eating patterns, time away from technology and the scientifically-proven restorative effect of the outdoors.

“The charity is an extremely important resource and we’d encourage everyone to take the time to see the work the team does with young people. As always, we’d like to thank everyone involved in organising such a well-planned and thoroughly enjoyable competition.”

To support Venture Scotland, visit the Buccleuch Property Challenge JustGiving page.