Catch a top day out at the palace

Rural life to the fore at countryside event

An estimated 30,000 visitors from across the UK are expected to attend the 29th Scottish Game Fair, being held in the grounds of Scone Palace from June 30 until July 2.

Run by the charity Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) as one of its main annual fundraisers, this year’s lively main ring programme includes lots of favourites such as the dog ‘n’ duck show, spectacular axe demos from Gwynedd Axemen, the tug o’ war and the ever-popular terrier racing.

There will also be attractions including birds of prey, pipe bands, gun dog demos, fishing demos, dog agility and much more.

The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies, sponsored by John Rigby & Co for the first time, makes a welcome return on Sunday too.

New for 2017, the fair is proud to host the inaugural Four Nations International Gundog competition on Saturday, July 1.

Teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales are set to compete on the island in front of the large grandstand by the River Tay.

Each team will run three spaniels and three retrievers and the competition is tipped to be one of the highlights of the three-day event.

The judges are ‘A’ panel judges and come from the competing nations.

The novice competition will take place on Friday and the junior competition – open to anyone under 16 years – will be moved to World of Gundogs where it will run on Saturday and Sunday.

Those with a four-legged friend are very welcome at the Game Fair and should you like to see how your dog would perform, you can ‘have a go’ at the Scurry or World of Gundogs area.

The newly revamped fishing area will include a dedicated area called The Bothy for panel discussions, presentations and Q&As with guest speakers and experts.

Writer, broadcaster and fishing fanatic Fiona Armstrong will feature in a panel discussion encouraging more women to get into angling and European and World Fly Casting Champion Hywell Morgan will be demonstrating his winning technique in the main ring, as well as appearing at the Bothy as part of the panel discussions.

There will also be fishing demonstrations from industry experts and competitions on the banks of the majestic River Tay.

If you need some advice on your technique, experts will be on hand at the casting clinic and there will be fly dressing demonstrations and competitions.

The new Fly Fishing Mall will feature top traders from across the country and lots of opportunities to catch a bargain and update your kit.

The popular shooting area offers a range of experiences and competitions for experts to those who have never picked up a gun before.

Under the watchful eye of the fair’s safety supervisors, you can compete in the Clay and Drone Shooting competitions as well as taking part – with a safety briefing and equipment provided.

Ladies’ Day will return on Saturday with a fabulous prize on offer for the winner from Blues and Browns and the Junior Challenge Award will take place on Sunday.

The fantastic food hall is back, sponsored by Macdonald Hotels, who will have their award-winning chefs on site to demonstrate lots of great cookery and baking techniques and ideas throughout the three days.

The Cookery Theatre, sponsored by Perth Kitchen Centre, will be hosted by the fair’s very own foodie in residence Christopher Trotter who’ll be rustling up lots of delicious recipes using the very best of local produce.

This year’s guest chefs include Masterchef: The Professionals’ winner Jamie Scott among others, all showcasing their favourite recipes and providing inspiration for foodie fans.

The Food Hall itself features 45 exhibitors, so lots to whet your appetite.

More information is available from www.scottishfair.com