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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
WEST Brewery rolls back flagship pint to 2006 prices to mark 20th anniversary
WEST Brewery is celebrating 20 years of brewing in Scotland by rolling back the price of its flagship pint to its original 2006 cost.
READ MORE
Michelin Guide restaurant Sebbs teams up with Pilot Beer for exclusive Glasgow launch
The new house beer has been developed through joint tastings by the Pilot and Sebb's teams, designed specifically to pair with bold, spice-led dishes and smoky grill flavours.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
Eddi Reader set for perfect performance in Glasgow
One of Scotland's most treasured cultural icons, Eddi Reader, is taking her unmatched musical magic to stages across the country for a 'perfect' spring tour this April.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
The Scottish premiere from internationally renowned dance circus company comes to Theatre Royal Glasgow
Motionhouse is set to wow audiences with the Scottish premiere of its latest breathtaking production, Hidden, at Glasgow's Theatre Royal for one night only on Tuesday 17th March!
READ MORE
Skerryvore to host huge World Cup Warm Up in aid of Street Soccer Scotland
Skerryvore will host a huge World Cup Warm Up in aid of Street Soccer Scotland, it has been announced, taking over Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom on Saturday 23rd May!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
Work starts on new padel tennis courts at Glasgow Club Scotstoun
Work on the state-of-the-art indoor facility began this week, with the three courts due to open in April.
READ MORE
Team GB rowing star Helen Glover teams up with Aldi to get kids in Glasgow outdoors
Aldi has teamed up with Team GB rower and mum of three Helen Glover to help inspire families to get outdoors whatever the weather.
READ MORE
GET Free Books at Buchanan Galleries celebrates World Book Day with free reads for all
Scotland's first free bookshop, GET Free Books at Buchanan Galleries, is celebrating World Book Day by encouraging the public to rediscover the joy of reading - and to help others do the same!
READ MORE
Bumper collection of TV sensation Bluey episodes heading to Glasgow... just in time for the Easter holidays!
An hour-long collection of episodes from the global TV phenomenon Bluey will be arriving at cinemas in Glasgow just in time for the Easter holidays, on Friday 27th March.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Ardnamurchan Restaurant and Bar lifts the Robertson Silver Spade at Let Glasgow Flourish Awards
Glasgow businesses who go the extra mile to make the city look good with their dramatic flower displays, were celebrated at this year's 'Let Glasgow Flourish' Awards at Trades House.
READ MORE
Wee Write Family Day celebrates the magic of storytelling to inspire a lifelong love of reading in future generations
The next chapter of Glasgow's popular children's book festival, Wee Write, is set to welcome kids of all ages to a fun-filled day designed to nurture a lifelong love for reading.
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Philly Express and American Dirty Soda brings US flavours to Buchanan Galleries
Two US-inspired brands, Philly Express and American Dirty Soda, have opened at Buchanan Galleries, bringing their full American food menu and custom soda experience to Glasgow.
READ MORE
From flames to finals: Lauren C Moore ignites the UK wedding awards scene
Lauren C Moore is transforming UK events and weddings with her unique mix of live fire performance, dance, and bespoke entertainment experiences!
READ MORE
The Full Monty returns to Glasgow celebrating 30th anniversary of the iconic BAFTA winning film
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic BAFTA-winning film, the King's Theatre, Glasgow will welcome a major national tour of The Full Monty from Monday 14 until Saturday 19 June 2027!
READ MORE
Free and low cost screenings and events at Glasgow Film Festival
Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition opens tomorrow and includes an extensive programme of free and affordable screenings and events.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Free Prosecco and Pink Gin for mums at Flight Club
The Social Darts bar is giving away a free glass of fizz for all mums, and the first 300 mums through the doors will also snag a miniature Mermaid Pink Gin to take home.
READ MORE
Iconic Scottish Design Exchange announces major Glasgow move
The move to Sauchiehall Street will support the continued growth of Scotland's artists and designers.
READ MORE
West End Restaurant Week to debut on Byres Road
Glasgow food fans are in for a treat as Visit West End Restaurant Week makes its debut in March bringing cut-price set menus to some of the most popular spots across Byres Road and The Lanes.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORE
City Centre hotel gets the party started with Flamingo Bingo this March
Glasgow's iconic voco Grand Central Hotel is set to bring 'flamingo fever' to the city with the hotel's own flamboyant take on the classic game of bingo!
READ MORE
Renowned Glaswegian filmmaker Lynne Ramsay to receive Cinema City Honorary Award at Glasgow Film Festival
BAFTA-winning Glaswegian writer-director Lynne Ramsay will receive the Cinema City Honorary Award at Glasgow Film Festival on 6th March at a special In Conversation event, From Page to Pulse.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links