We will flock you: shear enjoyment at Royal Highland Show
The Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships is returning to the Royal Highland Show in June after 20 years.
Held in the MacRobert Theatre, more than 35 countries from across the world will battle it out to see who is the fastest sheep shearer and who has the best woolhandling technique.
The highly-anticipated event will feature 39 decorated sheep sculptures that are currently on tour across Scotland in the Flock to the Show public art trail.
The Scotsman is the media partner for both events and the Royal Highland Show is held from 22 to 25 June.
Visit the website at royalhighlandshow.org
Meet the artist
In Jan Laird's bright studio you'll find a poignant quote that always inspires her: "They said she couldn't, so she did."
After being rejected by art school several times, she finally got a place at the University of Cumbria, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Fine Art
One evening, she painted her first Highland cow. To Jan's amazement, it sold quickly to a local gift shop and changed everything, giving Jan the spirit and drive to continue on her chosen career path.
Now, ten years later, Jan's artwork, home and giftware is available in over 50 shops across the UK and online.
She says: "Tartan Storm was Inspired by the famous Scottish weather. We all know that Scotland is often joked about for its rain, so there was no better way to represent our country.
"The painted tartan was inspired by the iconic blue of the Royal Highland show logo- which complimented the grey tones used to represent a cloudy day."
Tartan Storm
Tartan Storm by Jan Laird highlights the need to improve the image and perception of farming as valuable industry that provides significant benefits to society, the environment and the economy.
Farming is not always seen as an attractive career for several reasons. The industry can be challenging. with unpredictable weather, market prices, and regulations, leading to uncertainty and risk.
The capital-intensive nature of the industry and the high costs involved can make it difficult for new entrants to succeed.
Farming can be demanding physically and mentally. with long hours and seasonal demands. There is a perception that farming is not a financially rewarding career, with low incomes and limited advancement.
There needs to be more training and education, support for new entrants, and sustainable business models that can provide viable incomes and a sense of purpose for those involved.
Meet the sponsor
Taylors Snacks is a family-run firm based in Perthshire and Yorkshire that has been operating for 15 years. Previously trading as Mackie's Crisps, the Taylors brand aims to create amazing snacking experiences that bring people together by celebrating what makes us all different.
The fourth-generation potato farmers said: "The Flock to the Show sponsorship ticked a couple of big boxes in our hearts and minds. With such an exciting year in the pipeline regarding our rebranding and launch, we were really keen to get our products and brand out and about and into the hands (and mouths) of the people of Scotland.
"There are very few events across the whole of the UK that offer such a great opportunity to engage with so many people, in such a fun and family-friendly setting."
Find your fleece
Locate today’s sheep and access our VIP competition to win free parking, hospitality, and lots more by following this link.