THE 31st GWCT Scottish Game Fair welcomed over 30,000 visitors through its gates across three days for a true celebration of conservation and the countryside.
Held on Scone Palace Parklands on July 5th, 6th and 7th, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, in association with NFU Mutual, is the largest fundraiser for the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) in Scotland.
This marks a hugely successful year for the Fair, which provided a packed programme of activities and entertainment for visitors such as pipe bands, foxhounds, gundogs, birds of prey, a stunt show and terrier racing to name a few.
The Fair also welcomed back world-renowned French hunting band, Les Trompes de la Cottenciniere to the Main Ring for the first time since 2015.
The event is a must in the country sports calendar, with competitions spanning a range of disciplines, including the hotly anticipated Four Nations Gundog Competition on Saturday, won by England and the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for working hill ponies on Sunday that went to Harmony an eight-year-old highland pony, and her handler Rebecca Cantwell from Balmoral Estate.
Daily clay shooting and fishing competitions also took place, while demonstrations from some of the greats in the fishing world, including Glenda Powell and Scott Mackenzie impressed crowds.
Commenting on the success of this year's Fair, chairman Hugo Straker, said: "What an incredible year this has been for the GWCT Scottish Game Fair with wonderful benefits for the charity. It was a pleasure to see so many smiling faces around the site, whether people were taking part in activities or simply enjoying the festival atmosphere.
"The Fair wouldn't be what it is today without the hard work and organisation of the Scottish Game Fair team, who work tirelessly throughout the year to put on an event of this size. They have been rewarded with a problem free event with both traders and visitors enjoying the benefits of careful organisation.
“I'm proud that this event improves its offering year on year, creating something that tens of thousands of visitors of all ages can enjoy."
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. 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:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk