Step out this weekend at the Royal Highland Show

Published on 23/06/2012 14:45

VOTED the UK’s top agricultural show and Scotland’s best outdoor event, Royal Highland Show, which started on Thursday and runs until tomorrow evening, is expected to attract more than 180,000 people from all over world.

Here, the organisers recommend ten things not to miss.

1 Animal magic The grand parade in the main ring is an impressive sight with award-winning cows, beef cattle, light and heavy horses, sheep and goats proudly paraded in front of the crowds. Starts at 2:30pm today and tomorrow.

2 a great day out for children As well as getting up close to farm animals there are also plenty of activities designed especially for children. At the Dobbie’s Children’s Discovery Centre children can try a range of rural-inspired activities such as cooking, making flour and milking a cow. Make sure you book a place when you arrive.

3 Make time to shop There are hundreds of stalls at the Highland Show selling everything from country gear, to art and hand-crafted furniture. If you are after a traditional tweed jacket you’ll find plenty here, as well as work from designers such as Katherine Hooker – a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge.

4 rural crafts You’ll find demonstrations of traditional skills, such as blacksmithing, which takes place every day in the forge.

5 Catch a show Gifted puppeteer Tony James gives three performances a day and there is music from North Sea Gas – a hugely-popular Scottish Folk Band featuring guitars, mandolin, fiddle, bouzouki, whistles, bodhrans and vocals – who will also perform three times each day.

6 Be a foodie As well as demonstrations from celebrity chefs, the Highland Show features stands with some of Scotland’s best food produce. Wander round the food hall and sample some of the best Scotland has to offer.

7 chainsaw relay A daredevil mix of lumberjack sports, such as axe throwing, pole climbing and hand-saw action. Hugely entertaining.

8 sheep shearing This is well worth seeking out. Scotland’s Gavin Mutch – a world-class Golden Shears champion – whips off woolly fleeces in no time. No wonder the sheep are in such a rush to leave the stage!

9 Check out the 360 degree seat in the Ornate Garden Enjoy panoramic views while keeping out of the rain and wind.

10 Visit the Dumfries and Galloway village This year’s Highland Show has a special focus on Dumfries and Galloway. The region has a special area where you can have a go at kayaking and segways, and visit the storytelling tipi.

l Tickets cost £25 – accompanied children under 16 go free. Visit www.royalhighlandshow.org for more information