Game Fair will mark 35 years
Annual celebration at Scone
The popular Scottish Game Fair will mark its 35th anniversary at Scone Palace this summer.
Tickets are now on sale for the annual showcase of all-things countryside, which is organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and will be held from July 5-7.
The coveted event is renowned for its expansive selection of exhibitors, and sees more than 450 artisans, independents and specialists pitch-up alongside hundreds of activities, shows and entertainment.
From fly fishing to falconry, clay shooting to cookery demos and working dogs to wild food, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained – including canine companions.
Hill ponies, symbolic of Scotland’s sporting heritage, will also be spotted throughout the weekend.
Attendees will get to meet the kind-natured animals and admire their beauty as they take part in a series of demonstrations over the weekend as well as the Fred Taylor Memorial competition, held in memory of a popular figure who was head stalker on Invermark Estate.
In addition, fishing fanatics can get hooked on the latest tackle, clothing and accessories, and head along to the banks of the River Tay – where casting demos, competitions and clinics will take place.
The busy programme also includes opportunities for those looking to show off their skills at the shooting arena, with qualified instructors on hand to support novices to ‘pull’ and shoot at moving clay targets.
Championing Scottish produce, visitors can indulge in gastronomic delights in the Food Hall, relax with friends in the bar and soak up some sunshine in the beer garden.
Elsewhere, well-known chefs and cookery experts will be heating up the Kitchen Theatre.
These include MasterChef 2022 finalist Sarah Rankin, who hails from Kinross, and Stavros Bampatsikos of Gleneagles Hotel.
And the wide- ranging event will also include music, with the iconic Red Hot Chilli Pipers set to entertain on the Saturday evening.
This year’s Game Fair is to be supported by ambassadors Stuart Sutherland, who has over 30 years’ fishing experience; outdoor cooking chef Keith Greig, and Chris Dalton, an ethical hunter who heads up South Ayrshire Stalking.
David Gibson is a country manager at Stable Events, which organises the Game Fair.
He said: “The SGF is an exceptionally entertaining weekend, catering to a variety of people.
“Tapping into the very best Britain has to offer, guests can indulge in all their favourite country pursuits in the iconic Scone Palace grounds, and we’ve made sure that there truly is something for everyone attending.
“From locals looking for a jolly good day out, to Scots from neighbouring cities and towns heading to Perth for a countryside fix, this event can’t be missed, and for many it is an important opportunity to spotlight the countryside, conservation, the environment and rural communities.”
For more information on the Game Fair or to book tickets, visit the website www. scottishfair.com.
• Pic: Sandy Young.