The annual Scottish Game Fair enjoyed a record-breaking year as thousands of visitors made their way to Perthshire and the grounds of Scone Palace over the weekend.
More than 33,000 enjoyed sunshine, stunning surroundings and attractions and entertainments during the event’s second and third days.
Organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust as a showcase for conservation and rural life, it again proved a huge draw.
The event injects around £1 million into the local economy annually, with visitors spreading accommodation and spending money across the area.
And if early feedback is anything to go by, many of those who attended this year are planning to return for more in the future.
Crowds enjoyed a whole host of attractions in the main ring, including the Clann an Drumma tribal pipe and drum band, a sheep show, and falconry, foxhound, dog and dancing displays.
There was a chance to take part in challenges involving gundogs, fishing, shooting, dry stone walling and tug o’ war and also the chance to try archery, clay pigeon shooting and climbing.
New for 2011 was the craze of water-zorbing, while the chance to take a helicopter tour above Perth and the fair was grabbed by many.
Also among the top draws was Katy Cropper, Britain’s foremost dog handling and sheepdog training specialist and the first woman to win One Man and His Dog.
A first time visitor to the fair, she performed on all three days and both her skill with her dogs and the way she involved audiences in her shows proved a huge hit.
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Katrina Candy said the organisers were delighted with the success of the event.
“It’s been an incredible success to be honest, helped by the fact that we’ve enjoyed three days of scorching weather and some fantastic displays.’Great atmosphere'”The main message we’ve been getting from visitors has been that it’s been a fun and relaxed event, with a great atmosphere.
“We’ve had more than 300 trade stands this year and our exhibitors and demonstrators seem to have enjoyed the event every bit as much as our visitors.
“Aside from the fun and the shopping, this is also our biggest educational event and hopefully everyone who has passed through the gates will take away something new about game and rural pursuits and work.”
Within the grounds of Scone Palace, the event was a major success, but that was also matched on the roads surrounding the venue.
Months of planning ensured fears of traffic problems again failed to be realised and carefully selected routes ensured visitors made their way to and from the fair with a minimum of queuing.
Asked whether the event would expand in years to come, given its enduring and steadily increasing success, Mrs Candy said that would depend upon demand.
However, she added that both organisers and visitors were keen to ensure the game fair does not lose its family-friendly atmosphere.
“This is the biggest event of its kind in Scotland and the number of people who come through the gates each year is unprecedented for an event of this kind.
“However, we’ve retained the event at roughly the same size for the past 10 years and feedback from visitors is that they like the size and fear that if it were any bigger it would lose its personal touch.”
“It’s been yet another great year and we are delighted with the support we’ve received once again from the people and Perth and Kinross and from further afield.”