The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Game on: Enjoy the fun of the fair at Scone
As June comes to an end, it brings with it the ever-popular Scottish Game Fair, which returns to the grounds of Scone Palace next week.
The ultimate celebration of all things outdoors is going all-out this year to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Partnered with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the packed weekend is Scotland’s number one spot for anyone passionate about country sports and conservation to enjoy the festivities and meet like-minded people.
The 2018 fair will offer an assortment of activities sure to appeal to outdoor types of any age. Game Fair veterans can expect the return of some of their favourite events, such as clay pigeon shooting, gundogs and fishing as well as new and exciting endeavours.
There is only one way to celebrate three decades of country sports events – and that’s by throwing a huge party. To help with this, the second day of the fair will end with a ceilidh. Whether it’s the dashing white sergeant, the gay gordons or the fisherman’s reel that is your dance of choice, you’ll be able to celebrate in a proper fashion. And an anniversary celebration wouldn’t be complete without a drink or two, so Robert Graham Whisky has produced a bespoke drink just for the occasion.
The joys of taking part in the fair also extend to the younger generation, with plenty for families to do. The Scottish Game Fair has a long-standing tradition of inviting its visitors to “have a go” at activities where novices can soak up the thrill of archery, fly casting and The Scurry dog show.
Along with these is a new addition, specially put together for this year’s event: bush craft and ancient country skills. Exercise your inner knowledge of nature as you learn skills essential to the outdoors, including wildlife tracking, carving a butter knife, knots and fire-starting. Professionals in these fields will be on hand to give advice, run workshops and deliver talks to help further participants’ knowledge.
All the dancing and physical activity is sure to tire out some fair-goers but, not to worry, there will be plenty of delicious fare to hand in the Food Hall, where local producers will come together to tempt you with spices, cheeses, sweets and treats.
To add to the nibbles, you can take home some culinary inspiration with the Cookery Theatre, which will make a return to the site with tantalising new recipes and demonstrations. Leading chefs will demonstrate the tricks of the trade when it comes to cooking game, baking and cocktail making.
For those not so keen to participate, the Main Ring is the ideal spot to take a back seat and soak in the atmosphere while experiencing a range of spectacles including the birds of prey, terrier racing and the Clwyd Axemen.
While the Scottish Game Fair is always a family-friendly affair, organisers have taken great care to include attractions for young people as part of the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People.
The Junior McNab Challenge is a new competition that gives young people aged eight to 21 a chance to build on their country sports skills in a series of “hunting” challenges which will see them compete to hunt rabbit and pigeon and fish for a trout.
After an exhausting day of taking part in country sports, devouring delicious food and watching the Main Ring’s attractions, fair-goers can also indulge in some retail therapy.
With more than 500 traders hauling their wares to the fair, it’s the way to get your hands on the best country sports goods and equipment.
Whether you are looking for souvenirs, gifts or the finest hand-made products, you will be sure to find something to make your weekend more memorable. First-time visitors can get advice on the best products to practise their newly-acquired skills courtesy of the experienced traders, while country enthusiasts can update their kit.
Whatever your reason for heading to the Scottish Game Fair’s shindig celebrating the Big 3-0, there will doubtless be something of interest for outdoor enthusiasts young and old, novice or seasoned.