Invest in Perth partners with Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Perth and Kinross Council is continuing to invest in major events as part of its wider strategy to grow the visitor economy, encourage overnight stays and strengthen the region's profile as a destination for tourism and business.

As part of this commitment, it has renewed its partnership with Scone Palace International Horse Trials, helping build on the success of the event's inaugural year and supporting plans to attract more visitors to Perth and Kinross from across Scotland and beyond.

More than 27,500 spectators attended the four-day event in its first year, with visitors travelling from across Scotland, the rest of the UK and overseas. Advance ticket sales showed that almost a quarter of visitors came from outside Scotland, while competitors represented 14 nations including the USA, New Zealand, Ireland, China and Argentina.

The event’s first year also delivered significant international visibility through a partnership with ClipMyHorse.TV which generated more than 42,000 livestream views, with audiences tuning in from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany and Canada. International media coverage further amplified Perthshire’s profile.

Events as an economic driver in Scotland

Major events are increasingly recognised as drivers of economic growth, generating visitor spend, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for local businesses.

According to national tourism statistics, visitors spent £11.4 billion in Scotland in 2024, supporting around 239,000 jobs and more than 16,000 tourism businesses. These figures underline the importance of major events in attracting visitors, encouraging longer stays and generating economic benefits that extend far beyond the event itself.

The event also delivered tangible benefits for local businesses. More than 200 Scottish companies traded or exhibited at the event, around one fifth of which were based in Perth and Kinross. Feedback pointed to increased footfall for hotels, restaurants, cafés and other tourism operators, while many spectators chose to extend their stay and explore the wider area.

Building on this success, PKC has committed £15,000 to support the next stage of growth. The partnership will help expand awareness of the event across Scotland and encourage more visitors to turn a trip to the horse trials into a longer stay in Perthshire. Additional camping capacity, enhanced visitor information and targeted marketing activity will all support this ambition, while dedicated digital content will continue to promote attractions, events and experiences across the region beyond the duration of the event.

The investment is also helping create opportunities beyond tourism. Through the partnership, PKC will host a special Perthshire Talks Tourism event within the trials' corporate hospitality area, bringing together tourism businesses, investors, ambassadors and stakeholders to discuss opportunities for

Councillor Grant Laing, Convener of Economy and Infrastructure, Perth & Kinross Council, (Or Councillor Eric Drysdale, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council,) commented, “Investing in major events is about creating long-term value for Perth and Kinross. Through partnerships with successful events such as the Scone Palace International Horse Trials, we can showcase the confidence, ambition and quality that define our region while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitor numbers and growing international interest.

“We are committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our economy and raise the profile of Perth and Kinross as a place to visit, live, work and invest. Events like SPIHT provide a powerful platform to reach high-value audiences and demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared ambition for sustainable growth.”

Its continued growth has also been recognised nationally, with national tourism and events organisation, VisitScotland, supporting the event through its National Events Programme. The funding will support marketing activity in England, Ireland and international markets, alongside an enhanced partnership with ClipMyHorse.TV, helping Scotland's only international horse trials event reach new audiences and further strengthen Scotland's position on the international eventing stage.

Opportunities for Local Business

Scone Palace International Horse Trials attracts an affluent audience and provides a valuable platform for businesses to raise their profile, build relationships and explore new markets.

• Sponsorship opportunities from £450 – Businesses of all sizes can align with Scotland’s only international horse trials, with tailored packages ranging from entry-level branding through to headline partnerships worth £50,000+.
• Client entertainment and networking – Lunchtime Hospitality in the exclusive Members Area offers premium dining, priority parking and prime viewing, providing an ideal setting for entertaining clients or rewarding teams.
• Exclusive-use spaces for corporate events – Private hospitality packages can be tailored for networking events, product launches and team celebrations, allowing businesses to host guests against the spectacular backdrop of Scone Palace and world-class equestrian sport.

Interested businesses can should contact Holly Marshall, Sponsorship and Sales Executive, [email protected]. 

Find out more about opportunities for business > 

About Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Set within the historic grounds of Scone Palace, Scone Palace International Horse Trials combines world-class eventing with shopping, hospitality and lifestyle experiences. Scotland's only international horse trials competition, the event welcomed more than 27,000 spectators in its inaugural year and has ambitions to attract 40,000 visitors annually by year five.

The 2026 event takes place from 27-30 August.

Find out more and book >

Sources:

• VisitScotland – Tourism and Events Industry
• VisitScotland – Scotland's Visitor Economy