Glasgow Auction House strikes a good balance between variety and practicality. Their auctions feature everything from antiques to modern goods, catering to casual buyers and seasoned collectors alike.

For sellers, the fee structure is refreshingly transparent: a flat 15% commission per item and a £1 lotting fee—no hidden surprises eating into your profits.

Another highlight is their speed, with auctions held every Tuesday and Saturday, your items hit the block quickly, making this a solid pick if you’re looking to declutter fast.

Buyers benefit too—miss one auction then the next rolls around in days, packed with fresh finds.

The catch? Winning bidders must pay and collect the item within 24 hours, no exceptions. If you don’t make it, your prize goes back into the next sale. Also, they’re strictly in-person—no online bidding. 

Still, we can’t deny that they nail the basics: transparent fees, frequent sales, and a lively bidding atmosphere, making it a reliable choice if you want a straightforward, no-fuss auction experience.

Very helpful staff

“Great wee auction house. As a first time attendee the staff were very helpful letting me know what to do. Highly recommended for the experience. Good wee night oot.”

Sandy McFadyean, Google Review

Great place to buy and sell

“Great place to buy and sell . Good deals in Glasgow Auction House. Thank you guys”

scott hely, Google Review

Launched in 1989 by Anita Manning (one of Scotland’s first female auctioneers), the Great Western Auctions Ltd has built a strong reputation over decades. They handle everything from quirky collectables to high-end fine art, so chances are you’ll find something interesting.

With this kind of variety, we love that their auctions run like clockwork, having regular sales every two weeks for antiques and collectables, plus quarterly fine art events for more serious buyers.

It’s worth noting that buyers can inspect items in person during scheduled viewings or browse detailed online catalogues, which helps avoid impulse bids on questionable ‘antiques.’

We also like that sellers get a boost from their professional valuation services, covering everything like inheritance tax, probate, and insurance.

Just a heads-up, though: some buyers grumble about the slightly pricey buyer’s premium and extra fees, particularly with online bidding. Read the fine print to avoid sticker shock.

Nonetheless, with regular auctions, trusted appraisals, and decades of credibility, the Great Western Auctions remains a dependable pick. 

Spotless transaction

“Absolutely spotless transaction with the auction house. Postage was very reasonable for the amount of model cars I bought and dispatched rather quickly. I am sure I will be back again! Thanks.”

Dominic Skraska, Google Review

Surpassed expectations 

“My expectations have been well and truly surpassed, 5 stars all the way. If you are considering bidding on lots from Great Western Auction Ltd, don’t hesitate, they even handled delivery to me at a fair price. I will be coming back for more from them in future for sure.”

All Scorpio, Google Review

With a history dating back to 1842, McTear’s has developed its craft over centuries, giving sellers confidence in expertise, especially with high-value or delicate items.

One of their biggest draws is their global reach—your items aren’t just attracting local interest but are also exposed to buyers in over 100 countries. Combine that with specialized departments for whisky, jewellery, watches, and fine art, and you’ve got a recipe for targeted marketing. 

In other words, you could probably score priceless finds if you’re looking for something niche. Regular auctions cover everything from vintage coins to contemporary art, so there’s always something to spark curiosity.

And we appreciate that their detailed catalogues and online bidding options help you research before raising a paddle.

On the downside, some buyers complained about lukewarm post-sale support, like delays in resolving issues or lacklustre communication.

Even so, if you’re after a well-established auction house with strong global connections, McTear’s is a reliable start—just keep expectations realistic on the service front.

Knowledgeable about products

“Great service from Peter Burkey for a Whisky Auction at McTears. He was knowledgeable about the products, and all my lots sold either in the middle of, or a couple of others above, his valuations. I would certainly use McTears again.”

S W, Google Review

Clear advice and good outcomes

“I have bought and sold art and whiskey – in both cases there has been excellent comms, clear advice and good outcomes – the teams in both departments are super helpful”

jmc, Google Review

Mulberry Bank Auction keeps things lively with a steady stream of sales—think antiques, collectables, fine art, and jewellery, all rotating through their calendar.

Their speciality events, like the Antiques and Collectables Auction, add some excitement for regulars and newcomers alike.

For buyers, the big sell here is trust. Every item is professionally vetted, so you’re not just bidding blind. They provide expert valuation services, making sure buyers can trust the authenticity and value of the items.

Speaking of professionals, we appreciate how sellers receive personalized attention from these pros so that their specific requirements and concerns are addressed throughout the consignment process.

However, we feel a bit iffy after hearing frustrations with their customer service, particularly when it comes to dismissive responses to complaints. We hope they can improve in this regard.

On the bright side, though, Mulberry Bank Auctions offers a convenient service for sellers by arranging item collections through professional removal companies, making it easier to transport goods to the saleroom—especially for those that need heavy-lifting.

Knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful

“We had a wonderful day at Mulberry Bank Auctions and found a few bargains,the staff are so knowledgeable,friendly,and helpful,what a great find as first time auction goers,will definitely be going to next sale,big thumbs up”

Jane Penrice, Google Review

Realistic appraisal of items 

“We have used Mulberry Bank Auctions for years. Sheldon and staff are very helpful. They are professional and I have found their appraisal of items realistic. There are always items that sell for less than you expected but then again there have been items that items have sold for much more than expected! All auctions are a gamble in my experience, however; having dealt with Mulberry Bank over the last 8 years I’ve been happy with most outcomes.”

Catherine Reid, Google Review

What’s unique about Auction House Scotland is that they’ve carved out a niche in property auctions: think homes, farmland, commercial spaces, and investment plots. They know Scotland’s property market inside out—and it shows with a 94% sales success rate.

We love that sellers get the perks of their UK-wide auction network, connecting your listings to buyers across the globe. 

Buyers, meanwhile, can dive into bi-monthly auctions, either in-person or online, with fresh picks rolling out like clockwork. No waiting months for the next chance to bid.

That said, they deal exclusively in property auctions—so if you’re looking to buy or sell antiques, fine art, or collectables, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Also, keep in mind that extra costs like administrative fees, VAT, and legal paperwork can add up, so it’s worth factoring those in.

But hey, Auction House Scotland has built a reputation for quick, efficient sales and solid buyer support—no small feat when handling property transactions, which are far more complex than closing a deal on an antique vase.

Helpful on selling property 

“The Auction House were so helpful on selling my property

They were timely, efficient and friendly. They helped eith any questions and problems. I would not hesitate to recomment them.”

Annie Davidson, Google Review

Seamless purchasing process 

“Fantastic service from Nicola and all the team at AHS, the whole process was seamless and completed within the 28 days. This was my first purchase through auction but hopefully will not be my last”

paul grant, Google Review