The Gwct Scottish Game Fair

The culture of rural Scotland will once again be celebrated at the annual Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at Scone Palace, Perthshire, July 1-3. The Fair has grown over the last 23 years to become one of Scotland's premier country events. The entry price for adults is £15.00, for children £3.00, and parking is free. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. daily, and close at 6:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome to end the day with a picnic or barbecue, enjoying views of the River Tay.

As the GWCT's primary outreach, the Fair provides opportunities to educate the public of the benefits of game management and the importance of game and wildlife conservation. The Fair is known for its relaxed, convivial atmosphere, where visitors can try their hand at clay shooting, fly casting, archery, and much more.

Pipe bands open the Fair each morning, leading to the main area, where onlookers can watch the Fair's crowd-pleasing main events, which this year include:

• Dog agility tests

• Gundog displays

• Pipe bands

• Celtic drummers

• Dancing displays

• Birds of prey demonstrations

• Sheep racing

• Fly casting demonstrations

• Tug-O-War competitions for both men and women

Competitions and demonstrations abound at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair. Gundog competitions include a team event and a junior handlers test. Clay pigeon shooting events include ladies, seniors, veterans, keepers, and juniors categories. The Yorkshire Clothing Company will sponsor falconry demonstrations, and eagles, hawks and owls will also be flown. Fishing events are fan favourites at the Scottish Game Fair. Anglers can compete in fly casting events on the River Tay, or enjoy hourly fly casting demonstrations between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

This year's Fair features some new attractions, as well. Water Zorbing allows visitors to "walk on water" in giant, clear plastic balls. HJS Helicopters will offer 5-minute scenic helicopter rides. The Fife Foxhounds will return to the Fair after many years of absence, with the Fife pack and Hunt Master appearing in the main ring on Friday and Sunday.

Over 33,000 people attend the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, many coming in search for unique items, often at bargain prices, from over 300 trade stands. This year, attendees looking for gamekeeping, fishing or farming supplies will find a plethora of choices. Fly tyers, for example, can purchase specialist, high quality materials seldom seen in shops. Animal enthusiasts can buy Chudlyes dog, feline, rabbit and ferret food offered at special low prices, just for the Fair.

Trade stands will offer goods from all aspects of country life, from garden furniture, shrubbery and custom-designed furniture to leather, cashmere, lambs wool, velvet, tweed and silk clothing to made-to-measure clogs, Welly boots and waders to fine arts and jewellery.

At the catering marquee, which has a licensed bar, hot and cold plated meals will be available to fair-goers, and food stands will offer a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional fare. Choose from beef and venison burgers, toasted sandwiches, wild boar kebabs, smoked fish and spit roast pork rolls. Or try Haggis, crêpes, tablet and fudges or frozen yoghurt.

In addition to all the Fair's events and activities, children will enjoy attractions such as bouncy castles, a super jumper, Punch and Judy shows and special GWCT Scottish Game Fair activities designed just for them