Scottish Game Fair

GWCT Scottish Game Fair

1 -3rd June 2022, Scone Palace The top 7 things to see and do at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair this summer

This summer sees the 33rd edition of the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, a spectacular celebration of Caledonian conservation and countryside being held at Scone Palace in Perthshire. From the 1-3 of July over 30,000 visitors will enjoy exciting displays, competitions and demonstrations, a huge shopping village, amazing local food and drink and plenty of chances to ‘have a go’ at the different rural sports and country crafts themselves, encompassing the most popular pastimes and fieldsports. As well as thrills, spills and demos inspiring people to take up new hobbies, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair also provides a vital platform for debate and discussion around the key issues facing the Scottish rural and fieldsports sectors. With so much to see and do at this unmissable event, here are the top 7 things to see and do at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair 2022, to help you plan your visit.

1. Fisherman’s Row The banks of the river Tay provide an unbeatable location for Fisherman’s Row, the must-see destination for both passionate anglers and those who are keen to learn more about the sport of fishing. There will be casting demonstrations from leading names such as Stuart Sutherland, Andrew Toft and Scott McKenzie among many others, and the chance to have a go under expert tutelage will help fix any quirks in your own casting. They might even inspire you to enter one of the distance or accuracy casting competitions for ladies, gentlemen and junior anglers over the weekend. Fisherman’s Row also offers visitors an unrivalled opportunity to take a look at the very latest angling equipment, accessories and experiences on the market and chat to the people at the heart of the sport.

2. The Main Ring The Main Ring is the beating heart of the GWCT Scottish Game Fair where visitors are treated to an incredible array of displays and demonstrations from every corner of the Scottish countryside - and much further afield! For three days the Main Ring will host everything from Scottish pipe bands, terrier racing and gundogs to Middle Eastern falconry, hound displays and native Scottish ponies. An unmissable attraction which is well worth a visit.

3. Gunmakers Row A wander along Gunmakers Row, sponsored again in 2022 by Pulsar, will delight any shooting or stalking enthusiast and whet the appetite of anyone new to shooting. You can expect an enormous range of new and used shotguns, rifles, airguns, optics, accessories and clothing from all the leading brands and newer, lesser-known names. There are clay shooting

experiences organised by Pentangle Shooting Services and Buchan Field Sports, with their teams of experts on hand to help newcomers get off to a flying start and improve the shooting of even the most seasoned clay shooters. Flurries and other shooting competitions will run all weekend and ensure there’s something for competitive visitors to get their teeth into on all 3 days of the show.

4. The World of Gundogs Always a popular choice with visitors old and young, the World of Gundogs is the place to go for anyone who loves a waggy tail and seeing these skilled animals trained to perfection. As well as displays and experts on hand to answer questions there are also a range of competitions throughout the weekend. These 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. 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.

5. Shopping If you or a member of your party fancies a little retail therapy or loves to take advantage of a show special or two, then the Scottish Game Fair will not disappoint. Over 400 exhibitors encompassing country fashion, fieldsports equipment and accessories, home and garden products, food, drink and so much more will all be on hand for browsing and buying. A handy Shop and Drop service, run by charity volunteers to raise money for their excellent cause, means no lugging bags around with you all day - surely meaning you can buy more than you can carry?!

6. The Kitchen Theatre Foodies and fans of game cooking take note - the Kitchen Theatre returns for 2022 and once again sees top notch chefs and celebrities creating incredible dishes from Scottish produce. With a clear focus on sustainability, local farming and game, the Kitchen Theatre will inspire you to try something new when you next don an apron and take to the kitchen and show you how to turn simple game into a show stopping meal. 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!

7. The GWCT Covey Tent The Covey Tent is the central exhibit for the Scottish Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and a fantastic place for children to come and learn more about Scottish countryside heritage and conservation. Demonstrations, workshops and even a mobile lab for budding young scientists will focus on this year’s theme the ‘Year of Stories’, reflecting the Scottish government decision to shine a spotlight on stories inspired by or written in Scotland.

As well as these seven things to see and do at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair there are also plenty of other attractions including an off-road driving challenge from Isuzu, a bushcraft zone, quad bikes, ferrets and so much more.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit: https://www. scottishfair.com/