Sightsavers auction: Dig deep for heart of Texas

Published on Saturday 13 December 2008 18:48

SHE is a member of the Scottish hall of rock fame, an accomplished singer-songwriter who has written massive worldwide hits. And now is your chance to meet the legendary Texas frontwoman, Sharleen Spiteri, at one of her headlining gigs.

Click here to visit the Sightsavers Auction

Or how about heading up to the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle to fire the world-famous One o'Clock Gun in front of crowds of tourists?

Perhaps on Christmas morning, a member of your family could be unwrapping a Team GB cycling shirt personally signed by Scotland's greatest Olympian, Chris Hoy.

Then again, you may want to give your child the gift of literary immortality – Vivian French will include your son or daughter as a character in one of her novels.

These are just four of the lots being offered from this evening by Scotland on Sunday's third online auction to raise funds for Sightsavers International, the charity that helps to prevent blindness around the world.

The popular auction, being run by eBay, is your chance to get a Christmas present of exclusive experiences and one-off gifts that money can't buy.

This year we have 25 fantastic lots from generous companies and individuals. From foodies to fashionistas, sports lovers to culture vultures, there's something for everyone.

All the money raised will be spent on eye-care projects around the world. The initial bid has been set at 17, the price of a cataract operation for an adult who would otherwise remain blind.

The focus of the appeal this year is India, where eye-care services are desperately under-funded in a country of 1.1 billion people.

In many cases, free eye-screening clinics, partially funded by charities such as Sightsavers International, can pick up cases before they progress too far and blindness becomes permanent.

There are three ways in which you can help: take part in the online auction starting this evening; join our Bring 1 to Work Day next Friday; or simply make a donation using the Sightsavers coupon printed on these pages.

Two companies that have already given large donations are the Clydesdale Bank and whisky distiller Whyte & Mackay.

You can bid by clicking on www.scotlandonsunday.com and following the onscreen instructions. The auction opens at 7pm this evening and runs for seven days, ending at 7pm on Sunday, December 21, just in time for Christmas.

Online diary

Jeremy Watson and Phil Wilkinson's video reports from India can be seen on www.scotlandonsunday.com

1 MEET SHARLEEN SPITERI

A fabulous lot for any music lover. Texas singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri is a legend of the Scottish rock scene and you and a friend will get to meet the lady herself, then see her on stage in a solo performance in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. The winners will also receive a personally signed copy of Spiteri's latest album.

Thanks to Sharleen Spiteri

2 YOUR CHILD'S NAME IMMORTALISED IN A VIVIAN FRENCH BOOK

Have your child named as a character in one of Vivian French's bestselling Tiara Club novels. French has been an actor, a storyteller, and is now a writer. She has written more than 200 books, including picture books, non-fiction, fairy tales and novels for teenagers. She won the Stockton Children's Book of the Year for The Robe of Skulls.

Thanks to Vivian French

3 SUNGLASSES FROM EWAN McGREGOR WITH AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO

These are not just a pair of shades – these are Ewan McGregor's shades. These stylish men's Ray Bans have a reddish brown frame with brown lenses. As worn by the Scots superstar actor and hero of the Long Way Down and Long Way Round explorer series. You will also receive a signed photograph.

Thanks to Ewan McGregor

4 FIRE THE ONE O'CLOCK GUN AND STAY OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL DU VIN

Join a very exclusive band of civilians with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fire the world-famous One o'Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. Then enjoy tea and scones in the Officers' Mess with Garrison Commander Colonel Simon Vandeleur and the district gunner, Sgt Jamie 'Shannon the Cannon'. Then head to new luxury boutique hotel, Hotel du Vin, in Edinburgh's Old Town. You and a guest will enjoy a three-course dinner and bottle of house wine and retire to one of the hotel's wonderful superior rooms for the night.

Thanks to The Army, 52 Brigade and Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

5 GB TEAM CYCLING SHIRT SIGNED BY CHRIS HOY

Cycle like Chris Hoy? Want to look like Chris Hoy? The second can be achieved by bidding for a rare GB team cycling shirt (chest size 36-38) just like the one worn by Scotland's greatest Olympian at the Beijing Games earlier this year and signed by the quadruple gold medallist.

Thanks to Chris Hoy

6 HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI COOKS DINNER AT YOUR HOUSE

A fantastic opportunity to impress your dinner guests when you unveil your chef, Hardeep Singh Kohli. The One Show star and Scotland on Sunday columnist will create a menu for up to six people in consultation with you and then cook it in your own kitchen.

Thanks to Hardeep Singh Kohli

7 WINE TASTING WITH AWARD-WINNING WINE CRITIC, WILL LYONS

Win your own tutored wine tasting with Scotland on Sunday's wine critic, Will Lyons. In the comfort of your own home, he will select a variety of six to eight wines, on a theme of your choice, for four people. It is sure to be a fun, educational and fascinating evening.

8 SALMON FISHING AT THE MACALLAN ESTATE IN SPEYSIDE

The Macallan is offering a day's salmon fishing on The Macallan beat on the River Spey with the in-house ghillie on hand to provide guidance and tuition. This unique experience will include lunch by the river, an exclusive whisky tasting and a tour of the distillery for up to four people.

Thanks to The Macallan single malt whisky

9 EXCLUSIVE LINGERIE EVENING AT THE BOUDICHE BOUTIQUE

Champagne, chocolate and gorgeous lingerie. What more could a woman – or man – want? You and one friend can enjoy an evening of indulgence with a luxury private fitting experience and choose lingerie (to GG cup size) to the total value of 200. Valid at the Edinburgh or Glasgow Boudiche boutiques with pre-arrival cocktails at Amicus Apple or the Corinthian, respectively.

Thanks to Boudiche

10 A DAY AT THE SPA AT GLENEAGLES

Fancy a day of relaxation and pampering at Scotland's most famous hotel? You and a companion can enter a different world at The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA, the award-winning destination spa in Perthshire. Enjoy a luxurious Welcome Foot Ritual followed by a Back, Face and Scalp Massage, a delicious two-course lunch at Deseo at the Spa from a select menu and a complimentary ESPA gift upon departure. If you live within a 70-mile drive of Gleneagles, Elite Chauffeur Services will be your driver for the day, taking you there, then driving you home.

Thanks to The Spa at Gleneagles and Elite Chauffeur Services

11 LEARN TO PLAY POLO

Take part in a "learn-to-play" day with expert coaches in the Perthshire countryside. The day, for two people, includes morning tuition, lunch and an afternoon game in a polo arena. Riding experience is preferable but not essential, as you will be taught everything from scratch.

Thanks to Momentous Events

12BALMORAL'S TOP CHEF COOKS FOR YOU AND A FRIEND

Ever wanted to know how a Michelin-starred kitchen operates? Go behind the scenes at Edinburgh's five-star Balmoral Hotel to find out. This lot offers you and a partner the chance to enter the hotel's busy kitchens, take part in a service, watch executive chef Jeff Bland in action and then eat the fruits of your labours in the award-winning No 1 restaurant.

Thanks to The Balmoral Hotel

13 A DAY AT THE RACES WITH TOP TIPSTER MARTIN HANNAN

Fancy a flutter? Two people can join Scotland on Sunday's racing correspondent and tipster Martin Hannan for a day at the races and meet the people behind the scenes at the course.

14 SIGNED HARRY BENSON PRINT

Scot Harry Benson is the former Glasgow newspaperman who became a world-famous photographer after taking iconic pictures of The Beatles and a galaxy of other world-famous names. Bid for a signed 13x19 inch colour print entitled 'Edinburgh Castle at Night Harry Benson 2008'. Limited edition.

Thanks to Harry Benson

15 EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF STV STUDIOS WITH THE NEWS TEAM

There might have been a murder! Experience the buzz of live TV news as you go behind the scenes at Scotland's most popular peak-time TV station. The winning bidder and a friend will be invited to Scottish Television's state-of-the-art studios on Glasgow's riverside for an exclusive chance to watch the live broadcast of flagship news programme Scotland Today and join presenter John MacKay as he films his online blog 'The Real MacKay'.

Thanks to STV

16 BEHIND THE SCENES AT CELTIC FC'S NEW TRAINING CENTRE

Enjoy a day out at the club's Lennoxtown training centre. The unique access includes a guided tour for two, a glimpse of the players training – schedules permitting – and lunch in the complex. A rare privilege for any fans of the club.

Thanks to Celtic FC

17 PRIVATE TOUR AROUND IBROX WITH RANGERS FC LEGEND

Enjoy exclusive access to Ibrox in the company of a Rangers legend, who will provide you and three friends with your very own guided tour of the stadium. An unforgettable experience for any Rangers fan, made all the more special by sharing it with one of the club's playing greats. Includes a signed and framed Rangers shirt (medium sized) for the season 2008-09.

Thanks to Rangers FC

18 MASTER PHOTO CLASS

Learn to take professional-style photographs with the help of one of Scotland on Sunday's award-winning photographers. The session will help you improve your skills and to get that fabulous portrait of yourself and your family. The winner will also receive a disk containing selected photographs.

19 PERSONAL TOUR OF CHARLES AVERY EXHIBITION

Explore the world of Scottish artist Charles Avery, who has created stunning drawings of island life for a major exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, The Islanders: An Introduction. The tour for two will be conducted by senior curator Phil Long before lunch with wine at the gallery caf. You will go home with a Friends Membership, which includes free entry to major exhibitions plus the events and lecture programme. Then rest your weary feet with a night's B&B at one of Edinburgh's luxury boutique hotels run by the Town House Collection: Channings, The Bonham, The Howard, and The Edinburgh Residence.

Thanks to the National Galleries of Scotland and the Town House Collection

20 EXCLUSIVE GOLFING BREAK AT THE RENAISSANCE CLUB

Play the exclusive Renaissance Club, the new members-only 18-hole championship course on breath-taking East Lothian golfing territory next to the world-famous Muirfield. Memberships currently cost 45,000 but you and three other players can bid for a round of golf for four, lunch in the clubhouse and an overnight stay in the newly opened lodge. This is luxury golf at its best.

Thanks to The Renaissance Club

21 TWO TOP-PRICE TICKETS TO WORLD PREMIERE

Attend a world premiere play and then rub shoulders with its stars at the backstage party. This is a chance to get two top-price tickets to the first night of the National Theatre of Scotland's 2009 production Be Near Me, starring Ian McDiarmid of Star Wars fame and Taggart's Blythe Duff, left. The play opens in Kilmarnock on January 17, before heading south for a seven-week run in London's West End.

Thanks to the National Theatre of Scotland

22 EXCLUSIVE FASHION SHOOT WITH A TOP STYLIST AT A FIVE-STAR HOTEL

One of the UK's leading fashion stylists, Lindsay Campbell, and her team will give one lucky lady and three friends a fashionista's dream experience – a glamorous fashion shoot at a five-star hotel – but only after being transformed into the most dazzling cover girls for the afternoon. Photographer Stephen Kearney will capture the event for Spectrum magazine.

Thanks to Lindsay Campbell, Stephen Kearney and the Caledonian Hilton Hotel

23 OPERA NIGHT EXTRAORDINAIRE

A night with Scottish Opera can be yours by bidding for two tickets for a performance of either Cosi Fan Tutte or Manon from April–June 2009 in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness or Edinburgh. Those choosing to attend a performance in Glasgow or Edinburgh will also be treated to a tour of the backstage areas of the theatre before the performance. The winning bidder will receive a printed still of the production signed by the cast and director and a CD of the opera they choose to attend.

Thanks to Scottish Opera

24 GET TOP FINANCIAL ADVICE DURING THE CREDIT CRUNCH

Money squeezed by the credit crunch? Mortgage headache? Sliding pension? Treat yourself to a financial makeover with two of Scotland's top money fasters,Scotland on Sunday's Personal Finance editor Teresa Hunter, and Linlithgow independent financial adviser Alan Steel of Steel Asset Management.

Thanks to Teresa Hunter and Alan Steel of Steel Asset Management

25 LET IT RIP!

Fancy yourself as a bit of a Lewis Hamilton? Then tear around the track with champion racing driver Fraser Smart, the Lanarkshire-based winner of this year's Formula Renault BARC Club Class Championship. Whether it's Knockhill, Brands Hatch, Silverstone or Oulton Park, the winner will spend the day on a race circuit in a race-prepared car (or, if preferred, in their own road car). Some travel to the track, by road or air, is included. A full driving licence is required.

Thanks to Fraser Smart

Click here to download a donation form.