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The First Annual Scottish Birdfair

Join over 5000 bird and wildlife enthusiasts for the first annual Scottish Birdfair on the west lawn of the striking Hopetoun House, near Edinburgh. Shop from more than 80 wildlife related trade stands offering the latest birding technology, clothing, holidays, optics, literature, art work and much more, and enjoy some top entertainment from international speakers to our special events programme...

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David Lindo

David Lindo

Some of my earliest birding experiences have been in Scotland. I've strolled around the West Highlands in a heatwave listening to Cuckoos singing and I have stood shivering in snowy sub-zero temperatures in Hogganfield Park Local Nature Reserve in Glasgow feeding wild Goosanders. Scotland is a land of contrasts and a land filled with great birds!

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Dean Bricknell, Wildlife Photographer

Join award-winning photographer Dean Bricknell for a wildlife photography workshop, where you can see some of Dean’s fantastic wildlife images while Dean tells you everything you need to know to take these amazing shots!

Osprey Pandion haliaetus, male hovering Scottish Highlands, June

Bo Beolens – the Fatbirder

Come and meet Bo at the Scottish Birdfair for the A-Z of birding according to the Grumpy Old Birder. Bo Beolens, better known as the ‘Fatbirder’ from his eponymous website will be giving readings reflecting his birding experiences over half a century and answering questions about his birding travels (including regular forays into the Scottish hinterland).

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Darren Woodhead – The Song of the Esk talk and demonstration

Darren Woodhead, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists, will be delivering a remarkable art demonstration and talk where you can hear about his adventures along the Esk and around South East Scotland, as well as painting some of Scotland’s most iconic birds and wildlife.

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Kate Humble

'Scotland has arguably some of the most breathtaking wildlife in the world. I have been incredibly lucky to have had memorable encounters with birds such as golden eagles and white-tailed eagles, as well as ptarmigan and snow buntings, which will give you just taste of the range of birds you can see in Scotland. If that whets your appetite why not head to Hopetoun House on the 19th and 20th May for the Scottish Birdfair. This great event will have something for all the family and help you to discover just how rich and varied the wildlife of Scotland is. Have a wonderful, wild, Scottish weekend!'

Louise Batchelor

Former BBC Scotland Environment Correspondent Louise Batchelor went to Fair Isle to film a story in 1995. She caught the bug and has been a regular visitor ever since, drawn by the birds and by the people. She has been part of a challenging project to replace the old Observatory with a new one, which opened last year. Fair Isle is Britain’s most remote inhabited island. It is renowned for rare migrants as well as its seabird colonies. Louise has seen how the bird population has reacted to rapid environmental change, and been inspired by the residents of the island who enjoy life without some of the everyday conveniences, like mains electricity.

The 2012 Scottish Birdfair

The Scottish Birdfair has something for everyone – from the most dedicated birders, to garden birdwatchers and those with a more general interest in wildlife. The Scottish Birdfair is an RSPB charity fundraising event supporting Scottish Birds!

Special events

Look out for the special events at the Birdfair, from seabird cruises in the Firth of Forth to dawn chorus walks, register your interest to avoid dissapointment!

Who is coming

An exciting range of exhibitors offer you the unique opportunity to shop for all things nature, from optics to art. Celebrity talks, special events, and workshops to break up your time in wildlife retail heaven!

Hopetoun House

One of the finest stately homes in the UK, Hopetoun offers a stunning setting for the Scottish Birdfair. Awash with wildlife and history, and within easy reach of the central belt, visitors can enjoy the woodland walks and magnificient views along and across the Firth of Forth. Or why not take a tour of the house?


Want to join us at the Scottish Birdfair in 2012?

Buy your tickets online now!


Meet our sponsors and supporters!

Hopetoun House is within close proximity of several hotels, and a multitude of B & Bs, and we’ll be working hard to ensure you get the best rates possible for your stay with the dramatic backdrop of the Forth Road Bridge.


Our standard stand size is 3 x 3m but we are really flexible from shell schemes to banner posts! And we have been careful to keep prices as low as possible. Register your interest to find out more.

Children of all ages will have a huge range of activities to keep them entertained for the entire weekend – solve a wildlife crime, try your first bird survey or take a guided walk.