Scotland’s largest game and outdoor fair is to be held in the grounds of Scone Palace again this summer.
Now in its 29th year, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair has an underlying serious conservation message but has grown into a major attraction for the general public over the years, attracting thousands of visitors.
Taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 30, July 1 and 2, main ring programme highlights includes favourites such as the Dog ‘n’ Duck Show, spectacular axe demonstrations from Gwynedd Axemen, the tug o’ war and the ever-popular terrier racing.
Other attractions will include birds of prey, pipe bands, gun dog demos and dog agility.
The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for working hill ponies makes a welcome return on the Sunday of the game fair.
New for 2017, the fair will host the inaugural Four Nations International Gundog competition on Saturday July 1. Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will compete on the island in front of the large grandstand by the River Tay.
Each team will run three spaniels and three retrievers and the competition is tipped to be one of the highlights of the three days.
The novice competition will take place on Friday and the junior competition (open to anyone under 16) will be moved to World of Gundogs where it will run on Saturday and Sunday.
Fishing will have its own dedicated area for panel discussions, presentations and Q&As with guest speakers and experts.
Among them is writer, broadcaster and fishing fanatic Fiona Armstrong, who will feature in a panel discussion encouraging more women to get into angling, and European and World Fly Casting Champion Hywell Morgan, who will be demonstrating his winning technique.
There will also be fishing demonstrations from industry experts and competitions on the banks of the Tay.
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s stand beside the main ring will highlight the benefits of their research and how science can be translated into practical management advice that helps ensure a thriving countryside rich in game and other wildlife.
