Just 100 days to go—fun for the whole family awaits!
The countdown is officially on, with just 100 days to go until Scotland’s most exciting family-friendly summer event is back. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair returns to the magnificent grounds of Scone Palace this July (3-5), offering families a jam-packed day out for every generation.
Bringing together outdoor adventure, countryside traditions and hands-on experiences, this event is great for everyone, from mums and dads to grandparents and the youngest members of the family. Whether it’s discovering new skills, watching thrilling arena displays or simply enjoying time together in the fresh air, the Scottish Game Fair offers families the chance to make lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Children can get up close to animals, try their hand at countryside pursuits, and enjoy a variety of engaging activities throughout the day, while the adults soak up the vibrant atmosphere and unmissable food.
Families can bring even the smallest adventurers along, with children aged five and under admitted to the event for free, making this event a cost-effective way for the whole family to have a memorable day out together. Canine companions are also more than welcome to join the adventure, and this dog-friendly event really does roll out the carpet for pooches with dog massages, tasty treats and ample activities, competitions and challenges to keep them busy.
Have a go on Activity Row
Children of all ages will be spoilt for choice on Activity Row, getting the chance to experience a hands-on hub of countryside adventure. Young visitors can try archery, meet therapy ponies and learn bushcraft skills. They can also take part in the Pass It On Young Sports programme which runs daily sessions to introduce older children to field sports in a fun and accessible way. From how to get started in shooting and fishing introductions, to casting clinics, fly-tying and air-rifle tasters, it’s an engaging space where curious minds can try something new, build confidence and discover the excitement of the great outdoors.
Discover animals at the Main Arena
Scottish Game Fair is a great place to discover an array of Scottish animals that play a vital role in rural living. From equestrian showcases including the much-loved hill pony parades and Pegasus Vaulting Group, who will bring high-energy excitement with breathtaking gymnastics performed on a moving horse, to gundog demonstrations, falconry displays, rare breed meet-ups and terrier racing, guests can see a true spectacle from skilled handlers and the magnificent animals.
Many of these vibrant animals can be spectated in-action at the Main Arena or enjoyed up close on at their dedicated homes throughout the parkland.
Sporting pursuits
The Junior Macnab Challenge is an exciting, free activity for young participants, run by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and supported by the Scottish Youth & Countryside Education Trust (SYCET). It’s a challenge that encourages youngsters to discover a new countryside skill in a fun environment, inviting youngsters to try fly fishing, air rifles and clay shooting, collecting a stamp for each activity on a ‘game card’. After completing the challenge, participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a range of exciting prizes, including jackets, shooting accessories and plenty more.
Burn off energy with a day and evening of live entertainment
Music truly takes centre stage this year with the event evolving into a summer festival experience courtesy of NFU Mutual. The dedicated stage, which is bigger and better than ever before at this brand new NFU Mutual Summer Party, will host a full programme of live music and performances across all three days.
Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy a rolling programme of performances including headline acts such as Rollin Drones and Jacobite, local traditional and contemporary Scottish music, Scottish dancers, and guest appearances.
Scotland, the proud home of the world’s finest pipe bands, will burst into full colour throughout the event, with local groups delivering electrifying performances.
Gastronomic game
The Cookery Theatre is back with an expanded programme, offering live demonstrations, discussions and storytelling centred around food, produce, provenance and rural life. This year’s Cookery Theatre will be centred around cooking for real life, focusing on food that people can recreate at home, whether that’s cooking on a budget, making the most of seasonal or sustainable produce or building confidence in the kitchen. Led by Daniela Forbes, The Cookery Theatre will run throughout each day with assorted well-known guest chefs and cookery experts, creating a vibrant hub of activity and conversation.
Families can roll up their sleeves at the Kids & Parents Cookery Workshop: Cooking for Real Life on Sunday 5 July. Children aged 8 and up, accompanied by an adult, will learn to turn sustainable Scottish venison into a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired flatbread feast. It’s a fun, hands-on session where kids can pick up practical kitchen skills, including safe kitchen techniques, seasoning and cooking venison mince. This workshop is now bookable, with limited tickets, priced at £10 for one adult and one child space.
Children aged five and under can go free at the Scottish Game Fair, tickets for those aged 6-15 years old are priced at £10 and family tickets, which can be bought in advance at £69, includes two adults and three children.
