A day out at the Scottish Game Fair

For the past twenty eight years the Scottish Game Fair has welcomed visitors from far and wide. It’s now in it’s twenty ninth year and remains a highlight in their calendar. If you are local or stayed locally yesterday, you will know all about the amount of rain we had but this didn’t seem to put anyone off. Today was a parade of wellies, boots and sturdy shoes for all ages but not an umbrella or poncho in sight.

I know some of you will be thinking you don’t see what all the fuss is about? Maybe not understand why folk may travel down from Shetland, or up from Northampton? You might not go shooting, or own a rescue mongrel, let alone a pedigree gun dog. You may however have an interest in nature, livestock, food, outdoor activities such as fishing or want to try something new, like archery or clay pigeon shooting. And all these things, plus a whole lot more are available to learn, try and sample over the three day event.

Today I have enjoyed a day out at the Scottish Game Fair to suss out what exactly is on offer for those looking for something different at this event:

Food Hall

I am starting with one of my priority stops, the food hall. Always popular because of the free samples and tempt us to get our purses and wallets out. I found some amazing Scottish products, including black pudding scotch eggs, garlic mayo, lobsters, fresh bread, gin and sausages in more varieties that I realised possible! So many of the food suppliers were within an hours drive of Perth too, that is something to be proud about.

If, like me, you struggle for new things to cook then the Cookery Theatre is the perfect place to pick up some tips and recipe inspiration. Demonstrations running all through the weekend, there is bound to be something that tickles your taste buds.

Have a Go

Since the London 2012 Olympic Games I have been banging on about having a go at archery. Five years later I manage to tick it off my to do list because I got the opportunity today at the Scottish Game Fair. For just a small fee I shot my first six arrows and lets just say, there’s room for improvement. But now I have the taste for it I will definitely have a proper lesson. There was also a climbing wall for children too.

If you have the reactions of a cat and good eyesight maybe clay pigeon shooting could be your thing. With expert supervision, guidance and some ear defenders you can have a go at this sport too. Let me know how you get on!

Main Arena Demonstrations 

There’s a full itinerary for each day in the main arena. A great variety of displays from terrier racing, birds of prey display and gun dog demonstrations. My favourite from today were the Clywd Axemen showing off their amazing skill, strength and precision with axes and chainsaws.

The Fife Foxhounds came into the ring and totally owned it! Members of the audience/public were then given the chance to get up close and personal with these hounds. They proved very popular with the children. I can see why. I remember as a child having many similar encounters with hounds and it always stuck in my mind that they are rather cheeky but great fun. Just watch out for the wet kisses!

Get Involved

I also found in the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust marquee that children could do some clay modelling (and there were also workshops twice a day), make wee beasties from card and other craft materials too. What a brilliant way for children to learn about nature without even realising it. There is also a bee hive to see into and watch something that otherwise is normally hidden away. I learnt about the life cycle of a bee and how important bees are to us.

I also spotted some children having their faces painted too. Very cute.

There are big boys toys there too: machinery, fancy cars, 4×4’s and plenty of shopping opportunities if you need a new pair of wellies or a wax hat (ready for the next rain storm).

I really had a lot of fun today. I blethered to lots of people from all over and all with different reasons for enjoying a day out at the Scottish Game Fair but all with one thing in common. They enjoy the variety of quality exhibitors, demonstrations, competitions and good atmosphere throughout the weekend event. Don’t be put off by the sea of tweed, expensive boots and 4×4’s, it really is a fabulous day out.

If you visit this weekend for the first time please do let me know what you think, either in the comments below or on Twitter.