Main Arena

Simon Whitehead - Ferret Demonstrations

Simon Whitehead, a professional ferreter from Suffolk, will be demonstrating the mechanics of ferreting.

Ferreting is normally carried out in unsociable surroundings and often in solitude so Simon, using the arena demonstrations, will explain why the ferreter, their ferrets, dog and nets are fast becoming a more sought after figure in the countryside and towns of the UK. 

Skyhigh Falconry

BASC Scotland is pleased to welcome Skyhigh Falconry to the BASC Scotland Country Fair for the first time.

Skyhigh Falconry is the largest travelling display of birds of prey in Scotland. The static display consists of approximately 20 birds of prey, from one of the smallest of the owl family to the mighty golden eagle, also many hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, vultures and buzzards from around the world.

The static display allows the public to get very close to these beautiful winged predators (take as many photographs as you like); knowledgeable falconers are on hand throughout the day to answer any questions about falconry, its history as a field sport and the birds themselves.

The bird of prey flying displays are informative and entertaining and there is also some audience participation. The birds entertained over a quarter of a million people in 2007 including British and foreign royalty and celebrities.

There is no hard evidence as to exactly when and where man first trained a bird of prey, but the art of falconry was already well established in the middle and far east by 2000BC. In more recent history, it was reputedly the favourite sport of every king in England and Scotland between Alfred The Great and George III. Falconry is still alive and well in Scotland today.

The ethos behind Skyhigh Falconry is to preserve falconry and other field sports for future generations, through education in an entertaining way.

Mordor Gundogs - Charlie Thorburn

We are delighted to welcome Charlie Thorburn and the Mordor Gundogs to the Scottish Country Fair. Travelling from Perthshire, Charlie and his dogs will be demonstrating their skills in the main arena over the two days of Fair and will no doubt spend some time chatting to BASC members and other gundog enthusiasts. Click here for more details on Charlie and Mordor Gundogs.

The Ultimate Countryman

Back by popular demand will be the 'Ultimate Countryman', Chris Green, demonstrating his superb range of country skills. Chris will be on hand at the BASC tent over the two day event and will be happy to talk to anyone who shares his passion for wildfowling!  Visit the website www.westcountryfilms.co.uk

National Lurcher Racing Club

We are welcoming back the National Lurcher Racing Club to the Scottish Country Fair. The NLRC has proved very popular and look forward to their visit each year. This year the NLRC will be running a Novelty Dog Show on the saturday - all family pets are welcome!

Gundog Competitions

Gundog Tests for A.V. Retrievers and A.V. Spaniels
Held under Kennel Club rules

The Fife Terrier Club

Terrier racing is always a crowd favourite.  The Fife Terrier Club encourage the public to bring along their own terriers and race it them on the day!

Other events

The Scottish Archery Centre

Based at Fenton Barns Leisure and Retail Park North Berwick, they have been operating for a number of years offering a range of activities to young and old alike. They offer archery to the beginner right through to the more experienced person.

The Scottish Ferret Club

The Scottish Ferret Club was set up in 1998 in order to encourage the responsible ownership of both pet and working ferrets. The aim of the club is to promote ferrets as pets and working animals in Scotland. It is hoped that through the club local people can meet and share their ferret experience and knowledge. 

Ferrets make wonderful pets and can also be used to keep rabbit numbers down. The Scottish Ferret Club encourages both forms of ferret ownership as these animals are not only beautiful, friendly and full of life they are also useful vermin control.

Scottish Air Rifle & Pistol Association

SARPA was founded in 1984 with the specific aim to promote, encourage and support all aspects of target airgun shooting throughout Scotland. As an association they organise a number of competitions during the year, mainly held on the grounds of the associated club’s in the disciplines of field target, hunter field target and pistol. There are a number of clubs situated in the central belt and Tayside, details of which can be found on our website at www.sarpa.co.uk

For SARPA this year’s game fair is all about showing the public what SARPA and its members are about. Members are drawn from all walks of life, but have a common interest, target airgun shooting. Not the type of target airgun shooting you find at the Commonwealth or Olympic Games, but a target shooting that mainly takes place outdoors on whatever piece of land that can provide a secure and safe environment. Paper targets are very seldom used, instead we have fall flat or knock over, spinners, re-setters and occasionally, tin cans. Its all about getting outdoors in all weathers, meeting and making new friends and enjoying our chosen sport in a controlled and safe manner.

Our stand, while very much keeping your safety in mind, has been set up to allow you to experience first hand the latest technology in air rifles. Many of our members own and use these excellent guns, which is testament to their, durability, accuracy and build quality. SARPA members will individually guide you through the safety aspects of the airgun, loading, point of aim and firing before your given your chance to test your skills. For the more adventurous there is a separate competition lane, with a trophy and cash prize available to each day’s winner.

If you want to know more about airgun shooting or Scotland’s airgun club’s then our members will be more than happy to give advice and guidance.

Please note: In the interests of safety it may not be possible for very young or small persons to participate. Please be guided by our members on this point.