10 things for GWCT members to see and do at this year’s Scottish Game Fair
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair is just two months away, and with free forward gold parking for all GWCT members, it’s time to start planning your visit! To help you make the most of your time at Scone Palace, here’s a handy insider’s guide with ten things to make sure you see and do this year.
- The Nick Nairn Riverside Restaurant
After the runaway success of his debut last year, Nick Nairn is returning with a delicious game-based menu for his 300-cover riverside restaurant. Set in a breathtaking waterside location on the bank of the river Tay, Nick will be serving breakfast and lunch throughout the weekend. As well as mingling with diners and overseeing the kitchen, Nick will also be taking part in live cooking demos. An unmissable attraction for foodies!
2. Talks and forums at the GWCT Central Exhibit
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has shared more details of the talks and forums that will be part of its Central Exhibit at this year’s GWCT Scottish Game Fair. Situated next to the Main Ring, the GWCT’s central exhibit will be based on its ‘three-legged stool’ approach to conservation and sustainable game management which revolves around habitat, food and predator control. The GWCT has assembled a range of speakers, including include authors Patrick Laurie, Mallachy Tallach, Merryn Glover and Roger Morgan Grenville, as well as chef, writer and presenter Tim Maddams, who will explore topics from art and adventure to food, farming and folklore, conservation, climate change and culture.
3. Light meals and refreshments in the GWCT Member’s Tent
The GWCT Members’ Marquee is also located near the Main Ring and is set to be the perfect space for the charity’s members and their guests to step away from the hustle and bustle of the show for a light meal and refreshments on Friday. The marquee will then be open to the wider public on the Saturday and Sunday of the show, ensuring the charity has the chance to share its approach and current fundraising initiatives with visitors.
4. The Main Ring
The Main Ring is, as ever, set to form the heart of the show and will host an array of demos and displays including gundogs, falconry, and Highland dancing, as well as twice-daily displays from two local pipe bands. Be sure to arrive early to secure a ring side seat or use it as an entertaining spot to rest your legs after hours exploring everything the game fair has to offer.
5. The Highland Pony Society Centenary
is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary at The GWCT Scottish Game Fair this year. To mark the milestone, the charity is launching a commemorative hardback book which will be for sale on their stand. As well as exhibiting, they will also showcase the rare breed in the main arena as well as oversee the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies. The popular showing competition will take place on the third day and attracts entrants from all over Scotland. Last year, Balmoral Alpine, a 17-year-old grey mare owned by the late Queen, took home the top prize.
6. All things angling in the Fishing Village
Scotland is a world-class destination for anglers so it’s fitting that The Fishing Village will showcase casting demonstrations from leading Scottish names such as Stuart Sutherland and Scott McKenzie. Plus, there’s one-to-one tuition on offer to help fix any quirks in your own casting, as well as distance and accuracy casting competitions for ladies, gentlemen and junior anglers. There will be dozens of exhibitors on Fisherman’s Row selling the very latest angling equipment, accessories and experiences on the market and a dedicated fly tying area with some of the country’s finest tiers including Hamish Young and Conan Fyvie.
7. Gunmakers Row presented by Pulsar
For those interested in game shooting and deer stalking, Gunmakers’ Row will showcase an enormous range of new and used shotguns, rifles, airguns, optics, accessories and clothing from all the leading brands and newer, lesser-known names. Sponsored by Pulsar, this is a must-see for any shooting enthusiast visiting the show. Hands-on clay shooting will be on offer, including have-a -go stands for beginners, flurries and other shooting competitions to ensure there’s something for competitive visitors to get their teeth into.
8. The World of Gundogs
The World of Gundogs is the perfect place to indulge in everything to do with man’s best friend, as well as learn more about training and handling working dogs. Hosted in 2023 by Mordor Gundogs, there will be displays, demos and experts on hand to answer questions, plus a range of competitions taking place throughout the weekend including scurries, junior handler tests and open tests.
9. The Four Nations International Gundog Competition
This unmissable competition returns on the Saturday of the show and brings together the very best gundogs and handlers from England, Ireland, Wales and, of course, Scotland to compete for the prestigious title. Under Kennel Club rules, spaniels and retrievers are tested on their hunting, marking and retrieving abilities as well as their steadiness to shot. Handlers are judged on their skills in directing and controlling their dog. Sponsored by Kronch dog food, the Four Nations International Gundog Competition always attracts huge crowds of spectators to see how the dogs work under pressure.
10. An unrivalled shopping experience
And lastly, for those visitors looking to update their wardrobe, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair is a one stop shop for country clothing, footwear and accessory brands. With more than 400 exhibitors on site, this unique pop-up high street becomes one of the biggest retail areas in the UK for three days.
For more information and to buy tickets for The GWCT Scottish Game Fair, visit:
