The GWCT Scottish Game Fair, in association with NFU Mutual, returns to Scone Palace Parklands with a plethora of events and spectacles… are you game?

Now in its 31st year, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair is preparing to welcome thousands of people to the event over three days, July 5th - 7th. Organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust this fantastic celebration of conservation and countryside offers competitions, main ring events and ‘have-a-go’ activities, all whilst raising vital funds for research into game and wildlife throughout rural Scotland.

As well as birds of prey and terrier racing, The main ring, in association with Brewin Dolphin, will host the Jez Avery Stunt Show, which is sure to be a great attraction for all visitors. Working hill ponies will compete for the popular Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy and there will also be a full programme of clay shooting, fishing, gundog and scurry competitions, with lots of opportunities for expert tuition.

Time to shoot

The ever-popular shooting area offers a range of experiences and competitions for experts and beginners alike. There is a great range of disciplines to suit or challenge all, and all at affordable prices. These stands are set up for novices to come and try the clay shooting experience, which is this year organised by Pentangle Shooting Services and Buchan Field Sports. There is no age restriction – it doesn’t matter if you’re eight or 80 – everyone is encouraged to give it a go. There will be qualified and friendly instructors to look after you, with a gun that suits your needs while all clays, cartridges and safety protection are provided.

The British Association of Shooting and Conservation will also be at hand in the shooting area, offering a full range of shotgun coaching, including the BASC 'Safe Shot' award, which recognises your knowledge of shotgun safety and gun handling. This year BASC is bringing the ST-2 Shooting Simulator, aimed at improving the shooters’ skills and enjoyment of the sport. Guns, cartridges and safety equipment are provided.

Meanwhile, clay shooting competitions will run throughout the weekend with entries open at 10am each day at shooting control where full details of rules, entry requirements and prizes can be found.

Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy

London gunmaker John Rigby and Co is once again the main sponsor of the sixth annual Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies and this year will be awarding a stalking rifle to the winning estate.

Ladies who lunch… and shoot!

Saturday, July 6, is ladies day. This year, following the huge popularity of last year’s ladies clay shooting competition, those wishing to participate have the option to purchase a special Ladies’ Shooting Package in advance. The package includes entry to the fair, clay shooting and lunch for just £46.00.

All about dogs

The Four Nations International Gundog Competition takes place on Saturday, July 6. Sponsored by Skinner’s Pet Foods and now in its third year of being an international event, the competition features retrievers and spaniels in separate categories. Last year’s overall winner was England, followed by Scotland in second place.

Meanwhile, dog owners of all breeds are encouraged to take part in the scurry competitions held daily. The competition simulates the requirement of a dog to mark a shot bird and to retrieve speedily to hand, using two dummies. There are generous daily prizes for open, and junior (under 17) entrants and a trophy for the fastest time over the three days.

Ramp up your off-road skills

In 2019 Isuzu will again provide a fantastic off-road driving experience that utilises the river island. It will be completely free to have a go.

Isuzu focus on proper pick-ups which means they’re much better at meeting specific pick-up needs. The Isuzu D-Max is a game changing pick-up that’s made to work. The turbo diesel engine produces 164PS and 360Nm of torque whilst meeting Euro 6 emission standards without the need for AdBlue plus it delivers 3.5 tonne towing, 1.1 tonne payload and over 40MPG combined (all manual models), making the Isuzu D-Max a true workhorse not a show pony.

Birds of prey await

During Elite Falconry’s two flying demonstrations in the main ring on all three days of the fair, they will be flying birds from across the varied spectrum to show tremendous variety, including some of the smallest, to some of the largest birds.

Up for the challenge?

Scone Estates will be hoping to retain their title as winners of The Estates Challenge. The event, sponsored by Algo, covers shooting, fishing and gun dog handling and was conceived to promote and celebrate the many estates and keepers that work so hard to conserve Scotland’s beautiful countryside and provide high quality country sports. The little ones needn’t miss out either as our kids’ Junior Macnab challenge makes a return after its inaugural year.

Get hooked on Fisherman’s Row

The fishing area will feature fishing demonstrations from industry experts, a casting clinic and competitions such as fly-tying on the banks of the majestic river Tay. Fisherman’s Row leads from the Game Fair main ring down to the bank of the Tay, where thousands of anglers descend each year.

Become a member

This year the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust will focus on the pathway that can help moorland managers create and maintain thriving moorland with its ‘Three steps to heather heaven’ exhibit, in the heart of the Trust’s ringside stand. This very visual and practical exhibit will include live red grouse, black grouse, ptarmigan, hill fringe grey partridges and working hill ponies, alongside colourful displays and the kit required for successful moorland management. Visitors are encouraged to become members of the Trust to further support the great work the team does for game and wildlife conservation. Visit

www.gwct.org.uk/join

for more details.

Ticket information

To book tickets, sign-up to take part in a competition, and for more information, go to

www.scottishfair.com

 

.For a 10% discount on gate prices, please head to the website and buy your tickets beforehand.

£20 – adult price; £18 advance

£5 – children (5-15 years, under 5’s free); £4.50 advance

£42 – family (2 adults, 2 children); £38 advance

£39 advance – couples package (2 adult tickets, 2 show guides & free Gold Parking)

£36 - two day pass is available; £32 advance

£55 - three day pass is also available, allowing entry to all three days of the Fair; £50 advance

www.scottishfair.com