The GWCT Scottish Game Fair
Ten unmissable attractions at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair with headline sponsorship from NFU Mutual returns to Scone Palace in Scotland from 1-3 July, and it’s set to deliver an incredible itinerary of displays, demonstrations, have-a-go attractions and exhibitors from the worlds of fishing, stalking, shooting, gundogs, hunting, falconry and much, much more. With so much on offer over the weekend, it’s wise to plan what you would like to see and do while you’re there, so that you don’t miss a thing. Here we list ten unmissable attractions to take in at this year’s event:
1. THE NICK NAIRN RESTAURANT SPONSORED BY J.W. GALLOWAY
Stirling- born celebrity chef, restaurateur and shooting enthusiast Nick Nairn is heading to the GWCT Scottish Game Fair for the first time, and has created a delicious menu for visitors to a new riverside restaurant sponsored by Scottish butcher J.W Galloway. Nick will be chatting with visitors to share stories of his time on the BBC’s Ready Steady Cook and cooking for HM The Queen on Great British Menu, and taking part in live cooking demos using J.W. Galloway’s prime Scotch beef and lamb.
2. THE MAIN RING
A visit to the Main Ring is an essential part of a day at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, and in 2022 it will showcase an incredible array of displays and demonstrations from every corner of the Scottish countryside – and further afield! For three days the main ring will host twice-daily displays from Scottish pipe bands as well as gundogs, falconry, dog agility, fishing demos, thrilling lumberjack displays, hill pony competitions and terrier racing. Watching some of these unmissable attractions is a marvellous way to rest and recharge the batteries before the next attraction.
3. FISHERMAN’S ROW
The beautiful grounds of Scone Palace reach all the way to the banks of the river Tay, providing an unbeatable location for the fishing exhibits. A visit to Fisherman’s Row is sure to delight passionate anglers, newcomers and those who are keen to improve their skills. There will be casting demos from leading names such as Stuart Sutherland, Andrew Toft and Scott MacKenzie among others, the chance to have a go under expert tutelage and help to fix any quirks in your casting. Their expertise might even inspire you to enter one of the distance or accuracy casting
competitions. Fisherman’s Row also offers visitors an opportunity to look at the very latest angling equipment, accessories and experiences on the market and chat to the people at the very heart of this classic field sport.
4. GUNMAKERS’ ROW, PRESENTED BY PULSAR
Shooting and stalking enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice at this year’s event. A wander along Gunmakers Row, which is once again presented by Pulsar and their night vision and thermal optics products, will unveil an enormous range of new and used shotguns, rifles, airguns, optics, accessories and clothing. Those new to the sport will find a willing ear to answer all their questions and plenty of guidance on how to take
their first steps in the sport. There will be clay shooting experiences organised by Pentangle Shooting Services and Buchan Field Sports, with their teams on hand to help newcomers get off to a flying start and improve even the most seasoned clay shooters. Flurries and other competitions will run all weekend and ensure there’s somewhere for competitive visitors to show off their skills.
5. GWCT STORYTELLING
In celebration of VisitScotland’s Year of Stories initiative, the GWCT has gathered an array of authors, scientists and knowledgeable speakers to share tales as part of their new Storytelling exhibit. Celebrating the countryside, reflecting on halcyon days and shining a spotlight on the work being done to protect the land for future generations, this is well worth a visit. Talks will be hosted in the Children’s Nest, the Adult’s Hive and the GWCT Working Conservationists marquee, all located around the GWCT Central exhibit by the main arena. Edinburgh Bookshop will also be on hand selling books so you could go home with that sought-after first edition or something signed by an author.
6. THE WORLD OF GUNDOGS
Wagg y tails, bright eyes and pricked ears always lift the spirits, which explains why the World of Gundogs is a perennially popular attraction. There will be entertaining displays and experts on hand to answer questions and help with training challenges, as well as plenty of exciting competitions. These events aim to replicate the conditions in the field and see gundogs tested on their hunting, marking and retrieving abilities as well as their steadiness to shot. Competitive categories already confirmed for this year include spaniel and retriever tests, junior handler tests and the ever-popular scurry. The exciting Four Nations International, which sees spaniel and retriever teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales compete head-to-head, returns to the gundog arena for 2022.
7. FOOD, DRINK AND AN ENORMOUS OUTDOOR BAR!
Imagine a place where you can sample and buy food and drink from across Scotland and beyond, all under one marquee roof? The Food Hall at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair is packed with incredible food and drink so it’s the perfect place to find tasty goodies to take home, or for visitors hoping to keep energy levels up for the next attraction or display. If you prefer sitting out in the sunshine to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat, The Field Kitchen is the place to head. Offering a fantastic range of foods, from fish and chips to wood-fired pizza, there’s also the GWCT Scottish Game Fair’s largest ever bar and beer garden for a refreshing pint or two.
8. THE KITCHEN THEATRE
The Kitchen Theatre returns to the Game Fair for 2022 and once again features demos from top-notch chefs and celebrities, all creating incredible dishes from Scottish produce to delight budding chefs. There’s a clear focus on sustainability, local farming and game to inspire you to try something new when you next take to the kitchen. There are five demonstrations every day so it’s easy to plan your day to make sure you take in at least one… Look out for celebrity chefs too.
9. ACTIVITIES APLENTY
Perfect for young and old alike, Activity Row is always worth a look. Already confirmed are scurries, archery, a children’s team challenge over an inflatable obstacle course, paintballing, ferrets and bushcraft. There will also be the chance to get up close to hound packs or try road, mountain and electric bikes thanks to Synergy Cycles and, on Sunday only, meet the beautiful Highland ponies! For those who prefer their entertainment and transport to be powered by an engine, why not head over to the Off-Road Driving Experience? This year Isuzu and Subaru have partnered to bring a selection of their 4x4 cars to the GWCT Scottish Game Fair for visitors to try, with test drives available on the off-road driving course.
10. SHOPPING
Set to be one of the biggest outdoor shopping events in the Scottish calendar, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair welcomes over 400 exhibitors from the worlds of fishing, shooting, country clothing and accessories, art, outdoor living, travel, horses, dogs and more. There’s something for everyone from those on the hunt for new wellies, a tweed jacket or gun slip, to people hankering for a home hot tub or firepit. If the thought of carrying lots of bags around for the puts you off making a purchase, the charity-run Shop and Drop service will take the load.