Nominee Summary
E J Churchill Seal’s Cove has been transformed into one of Scotland’s premier clay target shooting venues following significant investment and development over the past 18 months. Situated on the Aberdeenshire coastline, the ground offers first-class facilities for both experienced shooters and complete beginners. With a range of activities including lessons, have-a-go sessions, competitions, corporate events and group experiences, Seal’s Cove makes clay shooting accessible, safe and enjoyable for all. The venue combines outstanding customer service, expert instruction and a spectacular setting, creating memorable experiences that attract visitors from across the region and help grow participation in the sport.
What makes your nominee stand out?
What sets E J Churchill Seal's Cove apart from others is not only its spectacular coastal location, but its commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for everyone. While many shooting grounds focus primarily on experienced shooters, Seal's Cove has worked hard to make the sport accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, encouraging participation from those who may never have considered shooting before. The ground has undergone significant investment and development, transforming the facility and establishing a new vision for the business. One of our challenges has been building awareness of new ownership and demonstrating a different approach from that of the previous. We have overcome this by actively engaging with our local community, expanding our events and creating experiences for new audiences to experience the sport in a supportive setting. Our Young Guns programme has grown significantly over the last seven months, providing regular sessions for children aged nine and above. These sessions not only introduce young people to clay shooting in a safe and structured environment but also help them build confidence, develop new skills, and form friendships with others who share similar interests. We have also successfully expanded our Ladies' Mornings now regularly attended, providing a welcoming environment where women can gain confidence, learn new skills, and meet people. Seal's Cove has established itself as more than just a shooting ground—it has become a thriving community hub that continues to grow participation in the sport and attract new visitors to the area.
Supporting the local community
At E J Churchill Seal's Cove, supporting local businesses is at the heart of our approach to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Since redeveloping the ground, we have actively chosen to work with local suppliers, contractors, and service providers wherever possible, ensuring our investment benefits the wider community as well as our own business. From the development and maintenance of the ground to catering, event support, and specialist services, we prioritise local businesses that share our commitment to quality and customer service. By building strong relationships with trusted local partners, we are able to provide a more personalised, authentic, and memorable experience for our visitors while contributing to the local economy.
Maintaining high ethical/environmental standards
E J Churchill Seal's Cove is committed to maintaining high ethical and environmental standards across all aspects. We strive to minimise our environmental impact by responsibly managing the ground, protecting the surrounding natural landscape, and promoting sustainable practices wherever possible. We work closely with local suppliers and businesses, supporting the local economy while reducing unnecessary transportation and environmental costs. Safety, inclusivity, and respect are central to our values, ensuring all customers, staff, and visitors are treated fairly and welcomed into a professional environment.
