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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Keller Taproom to host new women led whisky tasting to support industry inclusivity

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers has teamed up with the Capital's Kellar Taproom to support women in whisky, with all proceeds going to Smart Works and OurWhisky Foundation this month.

Iconic castle view bar reopens after half a million pound glow up

One of Edinburgh's most iconic rooftop bars has reponed to the public following a major £500,000 makeover.

FREE Event: Discover super powered plants at Dobbies Little Seedlings Club

Dobbies' free-to-attend children's gardening workshop is here for the month of May, giving children the chance to discover the 'Power of Plants'.

Freddie Fox and Julian Ovenden will star alongside Helen George when High Society comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse

An exciting line-up of stars from both stage and screen are set to join the cast of High Society led by Helen George as Tracy Lord when it comes to Edinburgh Playhouse in September!

Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!

OMNi nears completion of multi million pound transformation and will celebrate with big reveal event on Saturday 2nd May

Edinburgh's great-value leisure and entertainment destination, OMNi, is adding the finishing touches to its fresh new look as the £5 million pound refurbishment enters its final stages.

Harviestoun Brewery pop up returns with beer, bites & mischief on tap

Award-winning Scottish brewer Harviestoun, at the foot of the Ochils, is throwing open its brewery doors for a lively pop-up taproom event on Friday 24th April.

Edinburgh craft brewer announces bumper line up for outdoor summer market in Stockbridge

Cold Town Beer is raising the bar with a bumper line-up for this year’s ‘Neighbourgood’ outdoor summer food and drink market, returning to Stockbridge from 1st May to 2nd August 2026.

Britney, Oasis, Queen and More: The Icons Are Coming to Edinburgh This Summer

ICONIC Festival, Scotland’s first-ever full tribute festival weekend, is set to take over Conifox this June.

Edinburgh hotel announces third chapter of Captains Table guest chef dining series

One of Scotland's top chefs will be hosting the third in a series of collaborative 'Captain's Table' dining experiences onboard luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Sunday 19th April.

Livingston Designer Outlet announces opening of Hamilton & Brown

Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest outlet destination, has welcomed the arrival of gourmet boutique food destination Hamilton & Brown, opening over the Easter weekend.

Zizza launches midweek deal

Zizzi is making midweek dining even more of a treat with a brand-new sharing deal of Two for £25, available for groups of two, four or six.

Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland

With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring

Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.

Twilight weddings on the rise as couples rethink traditions

Wedding specialists at Deer Park Golf & Country Club in Livingston say the shift reflects changing priorities among couples planning their big day.

The Palmerston to host a Pizza pop up

On Monday 13th April, The Palmerston will host chef Ivan Stein, former co-owner of The Gannet, and Global Pizza Consultant Anthony Falco for a one-off pizza pop-up.

A Lost Eardley Returns

As National Galleries of Scotland opens a major exhibition on the artist, The Scottish Gallery shares its story of a recent rediscovery.

Edinburgh brewery pours out support for the biggest ice hockey showdown in the capital

One of Edinburgh’s leading breweries has been announced as the official sponsor for the UK’s biggest ever ice hockey showdown!

Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month

Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.

Paws at the ready as new dog park opens in Edinburgh

A new dog adventure park with panoramic views towards Arthur's Seat is preparing to open in East Edinburgh, marking its tenth location for one of Scotland’s fastest-growing canine leisure brands.

Now Open: Race Across the World The Experience Edinburgh!

Race Across the World: The Experience, the live city-based adventure created by CityDays, is now open in Edinburgh!

A one of a kind penguin playpark waddles into Edinburgh Zoo

A bespoke penguin-themed playpark designed exclusively for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has opened at Edinburgh Zoo!

Full live music line up and free family attractions unveiled for the inaugural Leith Food Festival

Organisers of the brand-new Leith Food Festival have revealed the full live music programme for their debut event, set to take place on May 30th and 31st at Leith Links, Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Winner of Scottish Young Musician announced

Joshua Gibson chosen to represent Edinburgh at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2026.

Rooftop bar W Deck reopens for Spring with new seasonal menus and live music

The five-star hotel opens its iconic W Deck, unveiling a new seasonal menu and spring programming.

Taste the movie in 4DX with new Super Mario themed popcorn upgrade at Cineworld

Cineworld is inviting audiences to power up their cinema visit like never before, with the launch of a limited-edition Galactic popcorn topper created to complement the full sensory immersion of 4DX.

A rare unicorn arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

A magical new species has arrived at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo ahead of Easter weekend, a rare greater one-horned unicorn called Jai!

Edinburgh Tradfest Commission celebrates the work of 16th century Scots Poet and Scottish Sappho Marie Maitland

This year's Edinburgh Tradfest commission A' Chiad Litir (The First Letter), is a tribute to the life of Scots 16th-century poet Marie Maitland, popularised in recent years as the Scottish Sappho.

Funding boost for Edinburgh breast cancer charity, House of Hope

Two Edinburgh locals have turned milestone birthday celebrations into a powerful fundraising effort, raising £9,000 for the city's breast cancer charity, House of Hope.