From around 11.00 am each day, there is a full range of activities and displays within the Main Ring - a spectacular Birds of Prey demonstration, Gundog handling demonstrations, pets parade, Foxhounds and Terrier racing are among some of the highlights on offer. The 2024 Fair will feature Savage Skills, the UK’S leading freestyle mountain bike stunt team. This group of talented riders will be providing two arena performances of their BMX show each day where spectators will see a series of incredible stunts and tricks including a crowd favourite – the back flip.
New for 2024 are Highland Pony demonstrations that shall offer insight into the history of the Highlands through these majestic horses. Learn about the Highland Horse, its past, present, and future roles from being the crofter's tractor to its modern-day significance. You will also be able to see a horse saddled with a traditional Highland deer saddle, led by a Pony Ghillie who will explain the vital role of deer ponies.
Elsewhere throughout the Fair, you can enjoy all sorts of field sports activities – come along and enjoy the Clay Pigeon Shooting, Axe Throwing and Archery. Even if you have not tried any of these enjoyable activities before, there are vastly experienced staff on hand who will ensure you will enjoy taking part in some of these exciting activities. There are also the Gundog tests which are always a great spectacle to watch or why not enter your dog into the scurry tests – everyone enjoys this including the dogs and finally why not take yourself down to the shores of the Loch and enjoy some of the fishing pursuits in Anglers Corner.
Our Food Hall and Food Theatre looks to support the Scottish food and drink sector and improve awareness of local availability and provenance. Working in collaboration with Bonk & Co, our Cookery Theatre will feature as series of cookery demonstrations hosted by Na Hansell – Cookery Presenter, AGA Specialist, Masterchef Contestant, and Recipe Writer.
The Highland Food and Drink Trail will be in attendance, offering a unique and diverse catering experience where visitors can enjoy a selection of hot and cold street food operators whilst listening to live music.
There is also plenty going on for children including a puppet making workshop, inflatables, Bubbles the Clown and the Junior MacNab Challenge hosted by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). This popular event invites children to participate in a clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting and fly-fishing challenge. In addition,Strathdearn school are returning this year to raise funds for upcoming school projects.
There is indeed a great variety of entertainment on offer at the Fair and plenty to keep all of the family occupied for the day. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the experience with under 16's able to attend for free.
Country Pursuits
Take place each day. Come along and have-a-go or simply enjoy the displays.
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Archery
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Axe Throwing
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The Black Isle & Mid Ross Wildfowlers Club:
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Gun Dog Scurry
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Gun Dog Working Tests
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Anglers Corner
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Fly Casting Demonstration and Tuition
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Angling Advisory Centre and Exhibition
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Fly Tying
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Other Activities
This is a real family occasion with plenty to do for Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Children. Apart from the many Exhibition Tents and Trade Stands there are a number of activities for you to try.
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Terrier Racing
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Pet Parade
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Inflatables
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Bubbles the Clown
Children are welcome to try out all of the sports, as long as they are big enough then we provide people to ensure that everything is done correctly and safely. No child will be without an adult supervisor if they visit any of the activities sections such as:
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Try a gun
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Archery
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Axe Throwing
Competitions
There are various competitions to take part in during the course of the Fair, including:
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Gundogs scurry
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Pets Parade
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Terrier racing
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Clay Shooting
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Fly casting
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4 Bird pick up
Shooting
For the shooting enthusiasts, a big attraction at the Fair is the popular and growing sport of Clay Target Shooting. The sporting layout simulates what the game shooter would meet in the field and starts at 10am each day.
Daily programme includes
30 Target Sporting Competition (£17 excluding cartridges)
25 Target Down the Line Competition (£14 excluding cartridges)
1st Prize for each of these competitions is £125 plus various other prizes including Bruichladdich Botanist Gin
Sporting High Gun
DTL High Gun
1st Prize for each of these competitions £125 (aggregate over the two days)
The Royal Bank of Scotland Perpetual Challenge Trophy will be awarded to the Sporting High Gun over the two days. Holt’s Auctioneers Trophy will be awarded to the DTL High Gun over the two days. Additional prizes for CLUBMAN,GAMEKEEPERS, LADIES, VETERANS (over 65) and JUNIORS (under 18) also up for grabs!
THERE IS ALSO 4 NOVICE STANDS FOR BEGINNERS. This allows anyone to have a go at clay target shooting regardless of age under expert supervision. Hire of shotgun, cartridges, clays, ear protection and instruction are included in the price of entry.
Gun Storage
There will be a GUN STORAGE FACILITY available at the Clay Shooting tent. Cost is £4.00 per gun with all proceeds to local charities. Stored guns to be collected by 6pm each day. No overnight storage available.
All entries taken on the day. For Try a Gun, no personal rifles can be used.