Thousands of visitors arrived at Scone Palace for the 26th annual Scottish Game Fair.
Organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, this year’s event was the venue for two key announcements.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse unveiled the new blueprint for sustainable deer management and a “ground-breaking” code for animal and plant reintroductions.
Forestry Commission Scotland launched its inaugural report on the need for effective and responsible deer management, while the Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations is believed to be a world first.
Mr Wheelhouse praised the FCS study for its “holistic” approach at tackling issues caused by deer overpopulation.
Meanwhile, he welcomed the new reintroduction code, saying: “Local and national reintroductions can help wildlife become more resilient, as well as help us to combat the effects of climate change and habitat loss
“In the past few years, we’ve seen this with well-known species like beavers and sea eagle, as well as lower profile reintroductions like the woolly willow and pine hoverfly.”
The fair was also at the centre of the Queen’s Baton Relay, which took a turn round the main arena in a black 1926 Bentley Red Label sports coupe before being welcomed by Lord and Lady Stormont.
As well as enjoying the spectacle of the relay, visitors were also treated to cookery demonstrations, tree-felling simulations and gun dog competitions.
Regular star attractions including the gnat shooting, terrier racing, gun dogs, hill pony demonstrations, falconry and 4x4s will also return.
The fair opening day is now one of the most significant dates on Scotland’s rural calendar and its successful operation is of huge importance to the trust, which puts the proceeds into its research to develop game and wildlife management techniques and provide training and advice on how best to improve the biodiversity of the countryside.
It runs from 9.30am until 6pm daily.
For more information and full details of all the attractions on offer, visit www.scottishfair.com.