By Ken Bell

EXAMPLES OF the country’s oldest type of boat and the latest sporting technology featured at the opening day of the Game Conservancy’s Scottish Fair in the grounds of Scone Palace yesterday.

Coracle maker Rebecca Oaks, a coppice merchant from Carnworth, Lancashire showed how to make coracles using hazel twigs, calico and bitumen.

Also, using one she made earlier, Rebecca showed how the boat was propelled by a single paddle in what must be the first occasion a coracle has been used on the Tay in centuries.

The coracle is based on a design from the River Boyne in Ireland.

Rebecca covers the twigs with calico, which is then given a coating of bitumen and the end product is a craft which she can carry easily down to the river, although boarding it is an art which must be quickly mastered.

The craft were covered with hide and waterproofed with tallow.

While she showed off ancient technology, the game fair also showcased the latest technology for country pursuits.

It included fishing rods made from curran, which is derived from carrots.

The invention of Fife scientists Dr David Hepworth and Dr Eric Whale, the versatile material has attracted widespread publicity.

The first day of the three-day game fair was blessed with good weather yesterday, and attracted thousands from all over the country.

One of the most popular attractions was a white red deer fawn in the Game Conservancy enclosure, where there was also a chance to see pheasants, partridges and other game birds.

Terrier racing, ferrets, duck herding and falconry displays in the main ring, mostly in bright sunshine attracted many of the visitors, eager to take a rest from walking round the more than 300 stalls.

As the afternoon ended, the RAF’s Red Arrows gave a noisy, but eye-catching display, seeming to almost dodge between the trees which mark the parkland in which the fair is held.

Attractions in the show ring include the Swords of Dalriada, the Quack Commandos and the Pakefield Ferrets.

There are competitions in shooting and casting.

Stalls also advise on the latest conservation projects.