GWCT Scottish Game Fair 2012 – preview

NEWS RELEASE

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair epitomises all that is good about rural Scotland.

Now in its 24th year this much-loved event continues to go from strength to strength. In 2011 almost 37,000 people visited the Fair – a record turnout. It’s Scotland’s biggest game fair and one of the country’s most successful summer events. And as well as being a superb weekend of entertainment, competition and fine shopping, the Fair ploughs all its proceeds back into the Trust’s vital research.

Set in the grounds of Scone Palace on the banks of the River Tay on the outskirts of Perth, the Fair occupies the perfect site for visitors to participate in a number of rural pursuits such as fly casting, gundog working and clay shooting. It also boasts almost 400 trade stands including a superb Food Hall which offers up such delights as locally brewed ales, fresh oysters, handmade chocolates, traditional farmhouse cheeses and oak-smoked fish and game.

It is the place to kit yourself out for the shooting and fishing seasons. The many trade stands are packed with top notch merchandise from made-to-measure shooting suits and dog kennelling to rods, reels and waders. It’s a one-stop shop for country sports supplies offering everything for the land manager, gamekeeper and country enthusiast. To augment this mecca for all things sporting, the fisheries area of the Fair will be enhanced this year with more organisations represented on site.

The GWCT’s main exhibit is always a must-see as it is an excellent opportunity to find out what projects the charity is currently involved in and how its research feeds directly into the management of Scotland’s rural landscape. The main theme for 2012 is ‘The Game Plan’ which will explore how game management can benefit the wider landscape by providing habitats for a suite of species and how to encourage a healthy wild game bird population. Also within the GWCT exhibition is the popular Wee Beasties education area which delivers sound conservation messages in a fun, active environment for children.

Entertainment
Bringing pedal power to the main arena this year will be the Savage Skills bike team, who will amaze the crowds with unbelievable two wheeled action. Returning by popular demand will be One Man and his Dog winner Katy Cropper and her wonderful dogs, ducks and pony. The popular racing sheep, racing terriers, falconry and gundog displays will also be returning.

For one year only, the Fair will host ‘In the Zone’ – an interactive touring exhibition by the Wellcome Trust which has been inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This immersive experience is for the whole family (children aged between 7-16). Visitors will be entertained by buskers, interactive high-tech exhibits and guided investigations exploring how their body works. Come along to capture your movement with a high-speed camera, see your veins, sharpen your reaction time and race for gold in a show-stopping finish, and share the fun with friends and family via social media.

Adding to the exciting atmosphere, Land Rover Experiencewill be introducing their Terrapod activity area – a unique steel all terrain demonstration stage. This together with the Mitsubishi 4×4 course on the river bank will be a real draw for car enthusiasts and those seeking an off-road thrill.

Making a welcome return to the event will be Les Trompes de la Cottenciniere – a group of French huntsmen who will delight the crowds with their atmospheric horn blowing and infectious enthusiasm for the Fair. The sonneurs can be heard throughout the show ground as well as performing in the main ring.

Other attractions will include the 4×4 off–road circuit across the river, pipe bands, tug o’ war and dry stone walling demonstrations. Visitors can also try their hand at air rifle shooting and archery or enjoy the exhibitions within the cookery theatre.

In order to make your visit to the Fair as enjoyable as possible for you and your four-legged friends, a dog crèche will be available for the first time.
The ultimate arrival
Why not arrive in true A-list style to this year’s event with a package designed specifically for those wishing an ‘air-raising experience? Light aircraft can land at Perth Airport and passengers will be met off the runway by a Fair representative with a welcome pack before being driven to the event, courtesy of Mitsubishi – one of the Fair’s sponsors. Upon arrival at the event, visitors will alight at the entry gate and will be able to enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne (passengers only!) or soft beverage in the GWCT Members’ Enclosure. The package also includes an exciting ride on the Mitsubishi 4×4 off-road experience. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this VIP package should apply to Corinna Gow (tel: 01738 554826).

For the first time, the Fair is offering an online discount for ticket purchases. Take advantage of this special offer by visiting our comprehensive website: www.scottishfair.com
 
Dates for the 2012 Scottish Game Fair
Fri 29th, Sat 30th June and Sun 1st July.
9.30am – 6.00pm (all Days)
Ticket prices
Online: Adult – £15; Family – £32; Child – £3
At the Gate: Adult – £17; Family – £35; Child – £4