Whether it’s hunting, shooting, fishing or food you’re after (or even just dressing up in tweed), the GWCT Scottish Game Fair has something for everyone.
This year, the hugely popular event returns to stunning Scone Palace Parklands Perthshire from July 5 to 7.
A fantastic event celebrating conservation and the countryside, the 31st Fair is set to welcome tens of thousands of visitors and will feature an impressive line-up of retailers and exhibitors, competitions and a revamped main ring programme.
Falconry displays, pipe bands, fishing, gun dogs, terrier racing, ferreting, clay shooting, air rifle shooting, archery, bushcraft and countryside skills, a tug o’war contest and off-road driving are just some of the activities on offer.
Organisers are planning this year’s event to be a “true celebration of the land” with a focus on food sustainability, particularly in the Food Hall.
Look out for demonstrations from some of Scotland’s top chefs including Richard Dalgleish from Gleneagles and Tom Lewis of Monachyle Mhor.
New additions to the main ring timetable, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, include headline act, the Jez Avery Stunt Show, an amazing performance on four wheels, two wheels, one wheel and no wheels and a “rollover quad’”.
The Fair also welcomes back world-renowned French hunting horn band, Les Trompes de la Cottenciniere, for the first time since 2015.
The band’s Sylvain Roussiere said: “Among us there are World and French hunting horn champions. The horn was originally used for communication on the hunting field and we still do this, with over 200 different calls to give information about animals involved. We hope you enjoy hearing us play and will be entertained.”
There will be plenty to inspire youngsters out into the countryside, too, with the Junior Macnab competition returning for its second year. Instead of hunting a stag, grouse or fishing for salmon, Junior Macnabbers will compete to hunt rabbit, pigeon and fish for a trout.
Youngsters can also learn how to survive in the wilderness during daily bushcraft and wilderness workshops which are free and open to all ages.
Meanwhile, moorland management will be brought to life at the Covey Education Tent on the GWCT’s ringside stand where youngsters can enjoy hands-on fun participating with displays and activities.
The upland management message continues over at the GWCT Central Exhibit where this year’s theme “Three Steps to Heather Heaven” explores the pathways that can help moorland managers create and maintain thriving moorland, rich in game and other wildlife.
This eye-catching display embraces live red and black grouse, ptarmigan, grey partridges and working hill ponies.
Hugo Straker, chairman of the Scottish Game Fair, said: “We’re delighted to offer such a varied programme for visitors. I’m proud this event improves its offering year on year, creating something that tens of thousands of people can enjoy.”
Proceeds from the Scottish Game Fair go to help fund the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s charitable work to further and enhance game and wildlife conservation throughout rural Scotland.
The 2019 event is sponsored by NFU Mutual.
Last year’s gathering saw 35,000 people turning up to celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary.
For more information, see scottishfair.com
