Samantha Boyle has been a cornerstone of the Gundog and Scurry events for over a decade. Her journey into the world of Gundogs began 18 years ago, inspired by her parents, who trained and competed with Labradors. 15 years ago at The Scottish Game Fair, her son competed in the Junior Handlers event.
Ten years ago, Samantha joined the Gundog committee, which then had about eight members. Today, the committee consists of Samantha, David Logan, William Drummond, and Iain Semple, working together to keep the Gundog events thriving.
As the Gundog and Scurry Organiser, Samantha oversees every detail, from appointing judges and liaising with Stable Events and the site team to ensuring prizes are ready and even refilling the sugar jar in the kitchen. Every task, big or small, is met with her dedication.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have a fantastic team around me,” Samantha shares. While not official committee members, this group is essential to the smooth running of the weekend. Whether it’s the friendly team in the Gundog Control Tent or the expert dummy throwers in the arena, their contributions are invaluable. One standout is Dora Smith, who has been helping at the Gundog Area for over 20 years. She has had the same role every year and is indispensable.
A Family Affair
Samantha and her husband, Declan Boyle—captain of the Irish team at The Game Fair in Ragley Hall—both train and compete with Labradors. Declan supports throughout the build up to the Fair and over the weekend. The family’s deep connection to the sport extends further; Samantha’s father was recently elected Scottish Captain. Despite representing different nations at times, the camaraderie among competitors is what stands out.
“The respect between teams is fantastic,” Samantha notes. “Everyone knows the time, effort, and money it takes to get a dog ready to compete at this level.”
Competitions and Highlights
The Gundog area is a highlight of the Scottish Game Fair, offering three days of thrilling competitions:
- Friday
- 9:30 am–12:30 pm: All Age Spaniel Competition
- 1:30 pm–4:30 pm: All Age Retriever Competition
- Saturday
- 9:30 am–12:30 pm: Four Nations Spaniel Competition
- 1:30 pm–4:30 pm: Four Nations Retriever Competition
- Sunday
- 9:30 am–12:30 pm: Open Spaniel Competition
- 1:30 pm–4:30 pm: Open Retriever Competition
The Four Nations Competition, held on Saturday, features teams of three Spaniels and three Retrievers, selected by national captains. For the All Age and Open categories, invitations are based on placements from Scottish Working Tests affiliated with the UK Kennel Club.
Additionally, the Scurry event runs all three days and is open to all. This timed exercise is hugely popular, with over 800 entries last year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a dog to get involved, with prizes awarded for the fastest times each day.
Samantha and her team are committed to fostering the next generation of Gundog enthusiasts. The Junior Handler Competitions, held in both the Gundog Arena and the Scurry, encourage youngsters to participate in and enjoy the sport.
Generosity of Supporters
The success of these events wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of prize donators. Last year, the Top Dog of the Four Nations Competition received over £1,500 worth of prizes, including a £750 voucher for a custom-made Dog Cabin from Quailhollow Gundogs & Kennel Fabrications and a £500 voucher for a bespoke Vehicle Dog Transportation Box from Animal Transit Ltd.
“I can’t put into words how grateful I am to companies like Gamekeepers Goods,” Samantha says. “Their support for the Gundog community, along with other generous prize donators, allows us to reward our winners with fantastic prizes.”
Looking Ahead
Organising the Gundog events has grown more demanding over the past decade, but Samantha’s passion remains unwavering. The idyllic setting of Scone Palace provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend celebrating country pursuits.
“We’re always listening to feedback from competitors, captains, and spectators to improve year after year,” Samantha explains. “This fair has always been, and hopefully always will be, a safe and welcoming environment for families to enjoy.”
With the next fair set for July 4th–6th, 2025, Samantha and her team are already hard at work ensuring it will be a standout event.
