All the fun of the country fair
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Scottish Game Fair, here are 30 suggestions to help you plan an action-packed day out at Scone Palace
1) Archery – You don’t need great strength or prior experience, and the one-to-one tuition from the coaches will get you right on target (or not as the case may be).
2) Visit the Artists in Action
Marquee to see award-winning wildlife artist Justin Prigmore, print-maker Guy Allen, sculptor David Cemmick and East Lothian-based artist Helen Gray, who will all be demonstrating their skills, giving a unique view of their processes and work.
3) Feathered friends –the Birds of Prey flying displays are a popular Main Ring attraction. The birds are put through their paces twice a day and also available to meet close up. Ben and the team from Bird of Prey Displays will be introducing Rupert the Steller’s sea eagle, Thelma the hooded vulture, Arthur the whiteheaded vulture and Betty the Ruppell’s griffon vulture among others.
4) Bushcraft and ancient
countryside skills area –anew attraction for 2018, where all the family can get to grips with wildlife tracking, carving a butter knife, knots and fire starting. There will be a series of talks and workshops over the three days of the fair.
5) GWCT Central Exhibit –find out about the work in education and conservation that the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust do and in this 30th anniversary show they are paying tribute to the species on their crest – the grey partridge.
6) Clwyd Axemen from North Wales are an all-action lumberjack demonstration team who will be returning by popular demand to the Main Ring. Expect a fast-moving and entertaining show, which will draw the crowds.
7) The new standalone Cookery Theatre (in association with Scotland’s Natural Larder) will host a programme of leading chefs showcasing lots of exciting ‘field to fork’ game cooking demonstrations, baking and cocktail masterclasses.
8) ‘The Covey’ – a new interactive education area especially designed to help children and families find out more about the GWCT including hands-on science, storytelling and fantastic arts to inspire the next generation of budding young ecologists.
9) Craft Fair – the SGF brings together over 75 craft makers and retailers all in one marquee. Many of the pieces are hand-crafted items and inspired by the countryside.
10) Dog ‘n’ Duck Show – a hilarious favourite which delights crowds year-on-year, the comical ducks are ‘herded’ around an obstacle course by a very patient sheepdog.
11) Fishing – there’s lots to see and do on the scenic banks of the Tay. You can take part in fly-casting and fly-tying competitions, watch the experts demonstrate their winning techniques, get some expert tuition or just chill out with a glass of something cool and watch all the action from the Ghillies Bar. The bustling ‘Fly Fishing Mall’ and Fisherman’s Row are the go-to places for new kit.
12) Feeling hungry? Well, the options are endless, from oysters and three-course meals in the GWCT Members’ pop-up restaurant (open to the public on Saturday and Sunday) to burgers and street food.
13) The Food Hall is always a popular attraction featuring some of the country’s top food and drink producers exhibiting their scrumptious wares; from condiments, spices, cheeses, baked goods, fudge and sweet treats; all washed down with a choice of gin, beer and whisky.
14) ‘Have-a-go’ – if you are new to the fair or have seen all the action, keep a look out for the ‘Have-a-go’ activities – try out the scurry (bring your own dog), clay shooting, air guns, archery, fly casting and lots more – everything you need and safety equipment is supplied.
15) The Working Hill Ponies –a rare spectacle to see the beautiful hill ponies being led around the Main Ring on Sunday at the fair, when they compete with their handlers for the prestigious Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy sponsored by London gunmaker Rigby & Co. Around 20 ponies representing Scotland’s estates will be tacked up.
16) Hull Flush Challenge is a
All the family can get to grips with wildlife tracking, carving a butter knife, knots and fire starting
new addition to the shooting area this year and the challenge will test even the most experienced shot. This competition is for those with their own gun, and each day there will be prizes for the High Gun.
17) Ice cream – with dozens of flavours and various places to buy, it wouldn’t be the fair without an ice cream.
18) International Four Nations
Gundog Competition –the inaugural competition was a resounding success in 2017, with England winning the challenge. This year teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have signed up for the competition with international competitors invited for the first time.
19) Junior Macnab –To celebrate the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People, the fair is putting on a new event for youngsters with The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group. The challenge is for those aged 8-21 years inviting competitors to ‘shoot a dummy rabbit and a pigeon and catch a trout’ using the show’s rifles, clays and casting area.
20) The Classic Land Rover
Display – a real treat for Land Rover fans who will be able to view fine examples of a variety of models and makes from throughout the years, and find out more about this iconic brand and how it has influenced and benefited rural life and work. Don’t miss their grand tour of the show on Sunday afternoon.
21) People watching – The fair is a brilliant place if you enjoy a spot of people (or indeed dog) watching... look out for a full range of styles and fashions and remember to enter the ‘Best Dressed’ competition if you have made an effort to look stylish – follow the fair on Twitter to get involved.
22) Meet the puppies and get ahead of training at World of
Gundogs – the popular puppy corner is by far the cutest place to visit at the fair.
23) Rural Retail – with more than 500 traders selling everything from specialist fishing and shooting equipment to country clothing and accessories and anything you could ever want for your four-legged friends. Many retailers have special discount offers running at the fair.
24) The Scurry – expect great excitement at this spectatorfriendly competition for dogs and their handlers. The highgrassed area simulates the requirement of a dog to mark a bird that has been shot and to retrieve the bird speedily to hand. The challenge is for the dog to retrieve two dummies as they are timed. It is open to any variety of dog and past winners include a sheepdog and a lurcher.
25) Watch the lively Sheep
Show – think of a cross between Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing for sheep, with nine wonderful sheep showing off their moves. All this along with lots of information on sheep rearing and a sheep shearing demonstration – ewe-d be mad to miss it.
26) Shooting clays
– there are various competitions over the weekend depending on your experience and ability and also Have-a-go if you haven’t tried shooting before, but have always fancied it. The qualified experts on hand will keep you (and everyone else) safe and all equipment is supplied. Gunmakers Row is the place for new equipment, clothing and kit.
27) Terrier racing – another fair highlight as the feisty little terriers race in the Main Ring twice a day – it’s very exhilarating and often amusing. All breeds are welcome to race, though terriers’ natural tenacity and desire to chase gives them a good advantage.
28) Tug o’ War, Friday afternoon in the Main Ring – expect high tension and lots of laughs as teams take the strain.
29) Volunteering – the fair’s band of wonderful volunteers help with the smooth running of the event with more than 100 roles varying from helping with the gundogs and fishing to selling programmes or helping in the information tent. If you want to get involved, you can apply online via www. scottishfair.com
30) Hop on board the ‘Wild
about Scotland’ bespoke double-decker bus to find out all about Scottish biodiversity and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s native conservation projects. Have a go at identifying Scottish wildcats, building a beaver dam and guessing the animal skulls (Saturday and Sunday only).