GWCT Scottish Game Fair

Last Sunday I was at the 2014 Scottish Game Fair on the banks of the River Tay at Scone Palace. The event runs from Friday to Sunday and it was fairly busy again this year. Apart from the odd heavy rain shower it was very warm and sunny for most of the weekend which helps the attendance.

I really enjoy visiting the Game Fair but sadly, this year, Fisherman's Row consisted of only a handful of stalls. It is getting smaller and smaller every year. There used to be rows of excellent stalls along with most of the big angling conservation groups there as well. Sadly, a majority have decided not to bother anymore which is a real shame, not only for the event as a whole but also for the punters who pay £18 entry and £2 parking just to set foot in the door. Many bargains were there to be had as companies competed to for your business.

On a more positive note, Somers of Aberdeen had a good stall this year and I picked up a few things including a new pair of neoprene waders which will come in handy for the cold Spring months. Cookshill Fly Tying is a stall I always go to and restock my box with their bucktails and feathers. The gun dog displays, clay pigeon shooting and casting demos are also well worth going along to. So too is the Food Hall where I always make a point of buying something. All in all, it was a good day out.

Here are a few pictures from last Sunday.

3 time World Spey Casting Champion, Scott Mackenzie demonstrates his casting abilities on the banks of the River Tay.

Another excellent Dog Training display. It's amazing how well these animals respond to the slightest commands.

A good crowd enjoying the sun.

The renowned "Arbroath Smokies" being smoked on site. They taste delicious.

A working Pony competition. These animals are used to take deer etc off the hill during shoots.

Well known shooting and game photographer, Linda Mellor snaps the ponies in the Main Ring.

A Chainsaw demo where the guys were carving animals out of chunks of wood.

Scottish Game Fair 2013

My wife and I took our annual trip to Scone Palace, Perth for the Scottish Game Fair on Sunday. Unlike last year where heavy rain caused the event to be abandoned, we were blessed with a warm sunny day this time round. We had a good day out as usual buying the excellent local produce on offer from the Food Stalls and I picked up a bargain or two from Fisherman's Row. In the Main Ring, the shows and demonstrations are always well worth seeing and attract good crowds whether it's gun dogs or a pipe band. We also really enjoyed watching the skill of the Clay Pigeon shooters. My personal favourite though was the gun dogs. They are so well trained that their owners could get them to do virtually anything! The way these dogs jump over the fences or into the water fetching dummies etc is great to watch. It must be so rewarding to know you have trained your dog to do these things. Even in 25c the dogs performed exceptionally well and looked as though they coped with the heat a lot better than I did anyway!

Another great day out and we even came away with a sun tan!

Where to head to first?

 

A Highland Cow and her calf get out of the baking hot sun and take shelter in the shade.

Scott Mackenzie gives another Spey casting masterclass in the Main Ring.

One of the first class gun dog demonstrations in the Main Ring.