The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
Article Source: GWCT Scottish Game Fair
Last Updated: 1 March 2026 12:27
Image: Mordor Gundogs at Scottish Game Fair, credit Stewart Attwood
Scotland’s much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July (Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th), promising an expanded programme of entertainment, live music, country sports, food, shopping and family-friendly activities, welcoming a range of well-known faces from across food, farming, rural life and culture.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 Scottish Game Fair will deliver a packed programme from morning through to evening, with a renewed focus on live performance, storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and immersive experiences across the showground.
Music takes centre stage in 2026 with the Scottish Game Fair evolving into a true summer festival experience. The dedicated stage, which is bigger and better than ever before in the heart of the event, will host a full programme of live music and performances across all three days. The music programme forms part of a new summer festival sponsorship, in partnership with NFU Mutual.
Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy a rolling programme of performances including headline acts, local traditional and contemporary Scottish music, Scottish dancers, and guest appearances.
A major new addition for 2026 is Battle of the Bothy Bands, a live music competition launching at the Scottish Game Fair. Across all three days, six shortlisted bands will take to the Main Stage at Scone Palace, with two bands performing each day in front of thousands of visitors. Each act will deliver a live set showcasing their talent, energy and originality, with the winner decided through a combination of judges’ scores and public votes. At the end of the weekend, one band will be crowned the first-ever Bothy Bands champions and will walk away with a £1,000 cash prize. Registration is now open, with full entry details and requirements available in the terms and conditions. Deadline for applications is 1 March 2026.
Adding to the excitement around Battle of the Bothy Bands, this year will welcome Coinneach MacLeod, best known as The Hebridean Baker, who will have involvement across the full weekend in different areas of the event, celebrating the shared traditions of music, food and Scottish culture, and will also be a key judge in the music competition. The Hebridean Baker will also bring his much-loved blend of food, heritage and storytelling to The Cookery Theatre programme. His sessions will celebrate Scottish ingredients, island traditions and the cultural stories behind the recipes.
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.
Among the headline names appearing in the Cookery Theatre for 2026 is Clare Coghill, Sarah Rankin, Arete chefs, Grant MacNicol, and Richard Dalgleish from Gleneagles.
The Main Arena remains at the heart of the Scottish Game Fair, delivering three days of top-class displays, demonstrations and commentary. The programme will expand on last year’s popular themes, with dedicated days celebrating gundogs, terriers and hounds, alongside rare Scottish working dog breeds. Falconry displays, hill pony parades and traditional country sports will all return, with further attractions to be confirmed.
Crafted In Scotland! is a new area launching this year, celebrating Scottish craft, creativity and heritage. Showcasing talented local makers and producers from across the country, this area is perfect for visitors who love discovering beautiful, meaningful, Scottish-made products.
The Scottish Game Fair will also place a renewed emphasis on fashion and textiles, with opportunities to highlight Scottish tweed, mills and contemporary country wear brands.
The GWCT Members and VIP Restaurant offering will be a standout feature, brought to visitors by The Hebridean Baker. Coinneach MacLeod will be a familiar face within the restaurant, welcoming guests to enjoy the elevated dining experience championing Scottish produce.
David Gibson, Country Manager at Stable Events, which organises the Scottish Game Fair, said: “The Scottish Game Fair has always been about celebrating the very best of the countryside, and for 2026 we’re taking that experience to the next level. With an expanded programme of live music, storytelling and demonstrations running throughout the day and into the evening, our event is evolving into a true summer festival while staying true to its rural roots.
“From the launch of Battle of the Bothy Bands and a packed live music programme to world-class Main Arena displays, shopping, food, crafts and hands-on experiences, there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re deeply involved in country sports, passionate about rural culture, or simply looking for a great day out in a spectacular setting, we’re excited to welcome visitors back to Scone Palace for what promises to be our biggest and most dynamic year yet.”
Tickets are on sale now, with 20% off until March 2026. For tickets and further information, visit www.scottishfair.com
Full details of Battle of the Bothy Bands can be viewed here.
Crafted In Scotland! is now welcoming exhibitors, for more information click here.
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