3 day event reports growth ahead of 2025 showcase

The GWCT Scottish Game Fair in Perthshire will begin on Friday on the back of a surge in box office revenue.

Organisers of the three-day country sports bonanza have disclosed to Perthshire Business News that the event in the grounds of Scone Palace has already seen a 4% hike in overall revenue this year, before the gates officially open.

Furthermore, over the course of the fair - which attracts rural clientele, families and visitors from all over Scotland and beyond - it is anticipated that £30m will be spent by the show attendees.

Over 30 000 visitors are expected over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, providing a significant economic spin-off for the region.

Not only will nearby Perthshire hotels and accommodation providers benefit from increased room bookings, the proceeds are predicted to bring a six figure sum to Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to reinvest into land management and species conservation research.

David Gibson, Country Manager for Stable Events, who organise Scottish Game Fair, said: “We’ve seen a steady increase in sales this year and our box office is ahead by 4% in terms of overall revenue, which is great to see.

“Our event brings together locals and attracts families and couples from across the country, with visitors coming from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and the Highlands, alongside areas of England and Wales.”

He added: “Around £30m will be spent by visitors at the fair, buying a diverse and eclectic mix of goods, from purchase of vehicles to sporting equipment and culinary delights.

“The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust will see a six-figure sum generated from the fair to help fund research and develop game and wildlife management techniques to improve the biodiversity of the countryside.”

Major events are a key plank of the regional and national economy.

Nationwide research conducted by Events Industry Forum in 2018 found that outdoor events in Scotland sustained 52 801 full-time jobs and generated a GVA (Gross Value Added) of £2.8 billion.

In terms of the Game Fair at Scone, David Gibson says the trickle-down impacts are easy to gauge, with local contractors and service providers a key component of the success.

“It helps put Perth on the map and contributes year on year to the town’s economy.

“It supports local businesses with an increased footfall, who spend time exploring Perth and the wider area and support local businesses through accommodation and activities out-with the event itself.

“We find visitors make a full weekend of it, checking into nearby accommodation in Perth, Meikleour, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Crieff. The event also relies heavily on local contractors to help with the build and activation of the three-day experience, supporting roughly 20 individuals.

“Championing local Scottish produce is at the event’s core, making sure visitors can indulge in the finest food and drink options, supporting many local businesses.”

As is now customary, organisers have reviewed the ‘blank canvas’ Scone Palace site, re-locating certain popular activities to ensure visiting families don’t miss any action.

The Fair’s restaurant will move from the edge of the Tay to the Main Arena, with several ‘names’ in the culinary world passing on their flare and passion.

The VIP Kitchen will welcome Tony Singh and Michelin starred chef Tom Kitchin, supported by Pete Gottgens of Private Gourmet Chef to bring a firecage cooking style to life.

“Scone Palace is a perfect location for an event of this scale and the Parklands below the Palace provide a blank canvas, allowing us to completely transform the space into a country pursuits haven,” said David Gibson.

“We’ve got direct access to the River Tay, allowing for hands on fishing demonstrations and have a go opportunities, an abundance of airspace to safely carry out clay pigeon shooting and a 4x4 car course that has every element imaginable – water, rocky terrain, hills and sandbanks.”

To buy tickets and find out more, visit: www.scottishfair.com