Three days of sunshine bathed the GWCT Scottish Game Fair at the weekend and ensured a superb turn-out of visitors to Scone Palace parklands for this major summer event.
Almost 35,000 people attended the Fair to celebrate its silver anniversary and soak up the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Organisers, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, were delighted with the attendance and the massive support shown by visitors, sponsors and trade stand holders who flocked to the tented village on the banks of the River Tay.
Olympic gold medallist Peter Wilson opened the event on Friday and proved to be a very popular guest as he toured the Fair. He also held a junior clay shooting workshop for four lucky youngsters and participated in a fun gnat shoot before addressing guests at a special anniversary party in the evening.
One of the most poignant sights was the parade of working hill ponies competing for the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy. Turned out in their traditional tack and gleaming from mane to hoof, the ponies were a huge attraction for visitors.
Hugo Straker, the Fair chairman, said he was hugely encouraged by the overwhelming support for the event which takes months of preparation:
“We try very hard to put on a first-class show and this year we have received so many favourable comments that it makes all our hard work worthwhile. We saw many, many happy faces at the Fair and are delighted so many people came out to enjoy the event. Especially after last year’s disappointing cancellation due to the weather, we couldn’t have hoped for a better weekend and are looking forward to building on this success into 2014.
The support shown from Perth & Kinross Council and Scone Palace has been much appreciated and we hope that these relationships and those we nurture with our sponsors, suppliers, exhibitors and visitors will hold us in good stead for the future.”
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Pictures courtesy of Rosemary Walker.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Playfair Walker
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