The 2026 GWCT Scottish Game Fair saw Scotland take the top honours in the Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition, as the prestigious event celebrated its 10th anniversary at Scone Palace.
Marking a decade of exceptional working dogs, skilled handlers and friendly rivalry between the home nations, this year’s competition brought together some of the finest gundog talent from across Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland for three days of thrilling competition.
After an impressive display of skill, precision and teamwork, Team Scotland were crowned the 2026 Kronch Four Nations Champions, securing first place ahead of England in second, Wales in third and Ireland in fourth.
The competition also saw some outstanding individual performances. Fraser Forbes claimed both Top Retriever and Top Dog honours, while Mick Walsh secured Top Spaniel and Top Hunting Spaniel. Scotland’s retrievers were named Top Retriever Team, while Ireland’s spaniels took the Top Spaniel Team title.
Celebrating Gundog Excellence
Alongside the Four Nations competition, the Scottish Game Fair hosted a series of gundog competitions, showcasing the remarkable partnership between handlers and their dogs.
In the All Age Spaniel competition, Arlene Deans claimed first place, followed by Connor Reid in second and Tom Forgie in third. The All Age Retriever title went to Ally Kennedy, with Donnie Leitch taking second and Duncan Sutherland finishing third.
The Open Spaniel competition saw Debbie Mould secure the top spot, followed by Jim Wardrope in second and Graham Clark in third, with Graham also receiving the Top Hunting award.
In the Open Retriever competition, David Logan took first place, ahead of Jimmy Fisher in second and Lee Davis in third.
The next generation of gundog handlers also had their opportunity to shine in the Junior Handler competition. Freya Cowan took first place, with Heidi Nunneley finishing second and Austin Nunneley securing third, demonstrating the promising talent coming through the sport.
A Decade of Competition
The 10th anniversary was a special milestone for the Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition, which has become a much-loved feature of the GWCT Scottish Game Fair.
Over the past decade, the competition has celebrated the skill, dedication and traditions of gundog handling, while bringing together competitors and spectators who share a passion for working dogs and countryside pursuits.
A huge congratulations to Team Scotland on their victory, and to every handler, dog and team who contributed to another memorable year of competition.
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair looks forward to welcoming the gundog community back to Scone Palace from 2–4 July 2027, for another celebration of Scotland’s countryside and sporting traditions.
