Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show

In late June each year the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, near Edinburgh, throws open its gates for the Royal Highland Show.

Horses - Close Up And More Distant Cattle And Sheep Trophies on Display

The show is run by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. Founded in 1784, the Society aims to promote the regeneration of rural Scotland by showcasing the best that Scotland has to offer. And if visitor numbers are anything to go by, the message is getting through loud and clear: the 2009 event attracted 176,522 visitors over its four days.

There were also three royal visitors to this years show: Her Majesty The Queen, HRH Princess Royal and HRH Princess Alexandra. And, with 2009 being the year of Homecoming, special events included a spectacle featuring the Scottish Borders Common Ridings, a display of Scotland's native livestock breeds, plus traditional music, clan and tartan history, whisky nosing, a taste of haggis and more!

Sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Show doesn't just feature the animal and craft competitions that have made its name over the years. Boutique designers from Scotland and across the UK showcase high quality bespoke clothing and accessories not seen on the high street. There is also a vast selection of specialist clothing and equipment for a variety of country pursuits.

Ingliston House

Ice Cream

A Royal Visitor

And a Political Visitor

The animal competitions and judging are, for many, the highlight of the show. Equestrian and livestock events take place from dawn to dusk over the duration of the show and visitors are able to observe the preparation and judging of the magnificent animals proudly put forward by their breeders.

In 2009 over 1400 sheep were on display at the show and entries included representatives from 23 breeds. Having watched the judging and competitions, visitors are able to wander around and look at the prize winning livestock close up.

Over 1000 cattle from 14 beef and 4 dairy breeds were also entered into various competitions in 2009. The prestigious Royal Highland Show Championships and Interbreed awards being the most famous, and most coveted. Housed in the Royal Highland Hall these hairy competitors are made to look their best before being paraded before the judges and the public.

The Lowland Hall is packed with the stands of producers from across Scotland, the rest of the UK and parts of Europe. Visitors are able to taste their way through the show before buying the produce and taking it home with them.

Although the focus of this part of the Show has always been to provide visitors with a wide range of food and drink from across Scotland, it is now able to boast the largest display of Scottish produce anywhere.

The craftspeople and food producers are also able to enter various competitions. As well as the typical "best" honey, butter and cheese prizes (to name just a few), a more recent introduction is the Ice Cream class which sees experts judging vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice creams.

Trade Displays