All roads lead to Scone Palace as the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, sponsored by NFU Mutual, returns with a packed itinerary of displays, demonstrations, have-a-go attractions and exhibitors covering everything from fishing and shooting to gundogs and falcons.
About 35,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors will descend on Perthshire for the annual festival of countryside and conservation, which returns to Scone Palace for the 33rd time over the weekend of July 1-3.
Research has shown that the much-loved event will boost the local economy to the tune of £5 million, as visitors fill local hotels and restaurants. The three-day outdoor event, aimed at families, will showcase Scottish country pursuits, game cookery, hill ponies, falconry and gundogs.
Run on behalf of the Game & Wildllife Conservation Trust as one of its main annual fundraisers, the event supports a lot of the research, development and education that the charity undertakes.
Here are 10 things to look out for:
Nick Nairn Restaurant
Stirling-born celebrity chef and restaurateur Nick Nairn will be creating a bespoke menu for visitors to the new riverside restaurant. He will also be taking part in live cooking demonstrations throughout the event using both local game and prime Scotch beef and lamb from Scottish butcher JW Galloway.
The Main Arena
This is the beating heart of the Scottish Game Fair where visitors are treated to an array of displays and demonstrations from every corner of the Scottish countryside. It will host twice-daily displays from local Scottish pipe bands as well as gundogs, falconry, dog agility, fishing demos, thrilling lumberjack displays, hill pony competitions, and terrier racing.
Fisherman’s Row
With the grounds of Scone Palace reaching all the way to the bank of the river Tay, the Fair provides anglers with a true playground. A visit to Fisherman’s Row will delight both passionate anglers and those who are keen to learn more about the pastime. There will be casting demonstrations from leading names such as Stuart Sutherland, Andrew Toft and Scott McKenzie among many others. You can also look at the latest angling equipment, accessories and experiences on the market.
Gunmakers’ Row
Shooting and stalking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when they take a wander along Gunmakers’ Row, sponsored by Pulsar. You can expect a range of new and used shotguns, rifles, airguns, optics, accessories and clothing from leading brands and newer, lesser-known names. Those new to the sport will find a willing ear to answer questions and guidance on how to get into the sport. There will be clay shooting experiences organised by Pentangle Shooting Services and Buchan Field Sports.
GWCT Education Tent
In celebration of VisitScotland’s Year of Stories initiative, the GWCT has gathered an array of authors, scientists and speakers to tell their tales – celebrating the countryside, reflecting on halcyon days from the past, and current work being done to protect the land for future generations. Talks will be hosted in the Children’s Nest, the Adults’ Hive and the GWCT Working Conservationists marquee.
Activity Row
Activity Row will be packed with have-a-go stands for everything from bushcraft and countryside skills to quad bikes, laser tag, and climbing walls. If your party includes anyone young enough to need tiring out, this is the place to be. There are also demonstrations from the legendary Simon Whitehead and his Pakefield ferrets and an entertaining and educational sheep-shearing show.
World of Gundogs
Always a popular choice with visitors old and young, the World of Gundogs is the place to go for anyone who loves a waggy tail and seeing these skilled animals trained to perfection. As well as displays and experts on hand to answer questions, there are also competitions throughout the weekend. Categories include spaniel and retriever tests, junior handler tests, and the ever-popular scurry. The Four Nations International, which sees spaniel and retriever teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales compete head-to-head, returns for 2022.
Fantastic Food & Drink
A visit to the Scottish Game Fair isn’t complete without a visit to the Food Hall. There you’ll find a huge variety of food and drink from Scottish artisan producers and tasty delights from further afield. The Field Kitchen is the place to head for BBQ and bistro foods, and the bar and beer garden. From fish and chips to wood-fired pizza you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite.
Kitchen Theatre
Foodies, budding chefs and fans of game cooking take note – the Kitchen Theatre returns for 2022 and once again features demos from top-notch chefs and celebrities, all creating dishes from Scottish produce. With a clear focus on sustainability, local farming and game, the Kitchen Theatre will inspire you to try something new when you next don an apron. There are five demonstrations every day.
Shopping
This year’s event is set to welcome over 400 exhibitors for one of the biggest outdoor shopping events in Scotland. They will be showcasing everything from local food and drink to country fashion and footwear, field sports accessories, gifts, and homewares.
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair Takes place at Scone Palace Parklands, Scone, Perthshire, PH2 6BD from July 1-3. More information can be found at:
www.scottishfair.com, www.gwct.org.uk
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