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Country sports tourism collaboration key at conference
Estates, tourism operators and rural businesses from across Scotland came together to collaborate and build a sustainable future for the country sports tourism sector at a conference this week.
More than 60 delegates attended the 2026 Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference, hosted by Country Sport Scotland at Perth Racecourse. They engaged in discussion around both the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s country sports tourism sector.
World-renowned destination
Scotland continues to be recognised as a world-renowned destination for activities such as deer stalking, fishing, game shooting and wildfowling. Country Sport Scotland is a leading platform for promoting these experiences to visitors from the UK and overseas. Operated by BASC, the initiative plays a key role in connecting visitors with authentic sporting experiences across rural Scotland.
Country Sport Scotland project manager Kirk Norbury said that with strong demand from the UK, Europe and North America, the sector continues to show significant growth potential, particularly in premium and experience-led travel markets.
The conference explored how Scotland can continue to position itself as a world-class destination for country sports. The programme featured a series of sessions from representatives including Country Sport Scotland, VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, You Fish Scotland, TwinPeakes Fly Fishing, Scottish Venison and Scottish Quality Wild Venison.
Opportunities for growth
Kirk said: “The conference continues to demonstrate the strength of collaboration across Scotland’s country sports tourism sector. Bringing businesses, organisations and providers together in one place allows us to share ideas, tackle challenges and identify real opportunities for growth.
“Country sports tourism plays a vital role in supporting rural economies, sustaining jobs and maintaining the landscapes and traditions that make Scotland unique. By working together, we can ensure the sector continues to evolve and thrive in a changing tourism landscape.”
BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: “Shooting in Scotland contributes £780m to the wider UK economy, which demonstrates how important it is to the rural and visitor economy. The conference has provided a perfect platform for this economic contribution to be realised and built on.
“In this crucial election period, BASC has showcased the importance of Country Sport Scotland members having access to the political influence that works for its members. BASC’s stewardship has meant that the brand has gone from strength to strength.”
Engaged in responsible tourism
Craig Lawless from VisitScotland said: “Country sports play a vital role in the local visitor economy of Scotland’s rural communities, attracting high‑value visitors and supporting thousands of jobs. Rooted in the stewardship of land and nature, estates and landowners are actively engaged in responsible tourism, biodiversity enhancement and climate resilience. The sector offers authentic, high‑quality experiences that are in strong demand from both domestic and international visitors alike, and it’s that popularity which helps sustain those communities, landscapes and livelihoods across Scotland.”
Fiona Campbell MBE, chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference was a hugely positive event which highlighted both the strength of the sector and the importance of collaboration across Scotland’s visitor economy.
“Country sports tourism plays a vital role in supporting rural jobs, communities, heritage and local businesses, and it is essential that we continue to amplify the sector’s voice and economic contribution.
Shared ambition
“There was a real sense of shared ambition throughout the day and a recognition that by working together across industries and organisations, we can further strengthen Scotland’s position as a world-class destination for authentic rural and country sports experiences,” said Kirk.
The event reinforced the importance of partnership working in ensuring the long-term success of the sector, while highlighting the shared ambition to grow Scotland’s reputation as a leading global destination for country sports experiences.
Country Sport Scotland thanks everyone involved in the day, from speakers and workshop hosts to delegates and partners, for contributing to such a positive and collaborative event.
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