- Celebrating rural and family life at Drumlanrig Castle
- Best shots can win cash prizes in a weekend of competitions
- A family-friendly weekend of fun in Dumfries and Galloway
From fly fishing to clay pigeon shooting – Galloway Country Fair is a great place for anyone who loves field sports. But this is just part of the fun – with everything from great food and drink, animals, DefenderJam and lots of other ways to celebrate family and country life.
Taking place at Drumlanrig Castle on 20-21 August, it’s a weekend-long celebration of country living with lots on offer for all the family.
There’s also the chance to win cash prizes – with £1,000 in prize money to be won in clay pigeon shooting competitions over the two days.
Novices will also be able to try the sport for themselves.
Davie Collins, of Auldgirth Shooting, who has designed the layout for the clay pigeon shooting, said: “We’re really looking forward to people coming along and having a go. There are a lot of people who have never had a chance to try it out and are absolutely fascinated.”
Davie has been shooting for 35 years after being introduced to the hobby by a friend and has competed in British and world championships.
He said: “It’s one of those things – some people try it and absolutely love it like I did, which is why I enjoy going to game fairs and giving people the chance to try something new.”
Westfield Air Rifle Club will be running the ever-popular air rifle shooting range where people of all ages and abilities can have a go.
And if you love angling, or want to give it a go, casting instructor Jonathan Morris will be providing demonstrations and masterclasses – and he’ll be looking forward to chatting to beginners and experts.
Everyone is welcome to come along and try casting in the river through the castle grounds.
There will also be the chance to learn about the work of the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board and the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust.
Anna Fergusson, Drumlanrig Estate Manager, said: “We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend celebrating Scottish family and country life.
“Whether it’s field sports, animals, food and drink – or our Kids’ Fun Zone – there’s a huge amount to enjoy that will suit everybody of every age.”
Other highlights include the chance to join Nick Morris of The Station House Cookery School for four fantastic demos – creating meals from around the world.
There will be a food and drink marquee with stalls selling fine cheeses, fudge, pies and cheesecakes through to artisan beers, craft gin, whiskies and cocktails. The Crafty Distillery will do a daily Cocktail demo.
Catering stands will be serving everything from speciality burgers to delicious donuts and fine coffees.
Another high octane attraction will be the Galloway Motorcycle Club who always bring a special guest to wow the crowds.
Among the club members who will be on the club stand, with their bikes on show, are David Maxwell (a club committee member) and his 18-year-old daughter Abigail who are from Thornhill and have been members and helpers of the club for several years.
Then there are performing pigs, fence leaping sheep, beautiful birds of prey and dogs of all kinds. These are courtesy of The Hogg Show and the Lamb National – which sees a small flock of Herdwick sheep, with teddy bear jockeys (and names like Ed Sheerin), gallop round a circuit, taking jumps along the way.
There is also a pet show, gundog scurry and retriever and spaniel tests.
And there’s the fabulous Kids’ Fun Zone where many activities are free. There will be field sports – from angling to clay pigeon shooting – to watch and to try.
This year’s Galloway Country Fair, sponsored by Lloyd Ltd, will also feature the Land Rover meet-up DefenderJam.
- Book tickets atgallowaycountryfair.co.uk
- Visit gallowaycountryfair.co.uk for further information and keep up to date with the latest news, or check out @GallowayCountryFair on Facebook and Instagram.
- The prize money for the shooting competitions is thanks to the sponsorship of ROXTONS Field Sports, the leading providers of the finest shooting and fishing experiences around the world.
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