Royal Highland Show bosses' spirits not being dampened by weather forecast as annual extravaganza returns

Published on Tuesday 21 June 2011 12:12

IT'S June, the rain is lashing down and there's not a silver lining to be seen on any of the clouds massing above Edinburgh. It can only mean one thing - the annual Royal Highland Show is in town.

Last year's sunshine seems to have been an aberration as the forecast for the next four days over Ingliston is one of gloom - not that it will dampen the high spirits of the tens of thousands expected to flock through the gates of the showground this weekend.

It does mean, though, that show manager David Dunsmuir will be putting his linen suit back in the cupboard and digging out his traditional tweeds instead.

"No matter the weather people still come," he says. "And although there is no such thing as the perfect show, our recent attendance figures would seem to suggest we are getting the mix about right."

Certainly last year broke all records with an attendance of 187,644, up on the previous year's 176,522. But he adds: "It's rewarding to have these sorts of figures but I am cautious about chasing records and realistic enough to admit that the weather can be a factor, especially at the weekend.

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"We have invested heavily in our infrastructure, with loads of attractions under cover, not to mention many miles of tarmac roadways and show avenues. So, whatever the elements, we are still able to provide a good visitor experience."

Figures are what it's all about for the farming community and they stack up higher than a hay barn.

This year there will be 1000 cattle from 20 different breeds, 1500 sheep, 2000 horses, 500 chickens and other poultry, 100 goats and millions of pounds worth of farm machinery.

There's also a whopping 40,000 in prize money to be won by some of Britain's top horsemen and women - including potential Olympians for 2012 - competing in a showjumping Grand Prix event. Around 30,000 pairs of little hands are also expected to get involved with milking, milling and cooking in the Dobbies Children's Discovery Centre.

The showground itself covers 40 hectares and there is 60 hectares for parking up to 25,000 vehicles, making it the largest car park in Scotland. It's hardly surprising then that the RBS-sponsored event costs in the region of 1.5 million to put on each year, but then every year the event - this is the 171st - seems to get bigger and better.

This year, according to David, the showground has been split into eight distinct sections to help people navigate their way around: agricultural, motor zone, a lifestyle village, a shopping arcade, the food and drink exhibition hall, a craft zone, outdoor living and the countryside area which includes all the large animals and the equestrian ring.

Given its farming history, the cattle, horses and sheep are among the main attractions and people can wander between the stalls watching as the beasts are prepared for their moment of judging. Then there's the grand parade of the livestock being walked around the showring.

Sheep shearing has also become a major draw and this year the second Six Nations shearing contest will have the crowds gasping at the skill, strength and speed of the competitors from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and France.

But wool will also be in the spotlight thanks to the National Sheep Association, which aims to remind people of its route from sheep's clothing to their own. Rediscover the Wonders of Wool will include fleece judging, spinning demonstrations and a fashion show with a team of models taking to the catwalk to show off a range of woollen garments - and not a simmet or pair of long johns in sight.

There will also be a Baaa'ck to Back competition on the Saturday where the race is on to clip a sheep, spin the wool, knit a jumper and wear it with pride in the quickest possible time.

"With the sheep industry being a vital part of Scottish agriculture, it is only right that we highlight wool as one of the important products from that sector," says David.

"The NSA events will cover most of the aspects of a natural commodity that in recent times has faced stiff competition from other products such as synthetic fibres. It is also a commodity that has ceased to be an earner for farmers as the price paid for a fleece is often less than the cost of shearing the sheep."

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions is the Food Hall and this year there will be demonstrations from celebrity chefs Lady Claire MacDonald and Paul Wedgwood, as well as the usual sampling at the food stalls.

On Friday, though, nearly 300 primary children from around Scotland will take food centre stage in the main ring to present Scotland's Larder Showcase. Each of the school groups -the Lothians are represented by Newtongrange - was chosen by the Royal Highland Education Trust project co-ordinator and was allocated an item of produce and given a brief to prepare in class, to show its importance to Scottish food production and the journey from farm to plate.

But that's just one event aimed to encourage an interest in farming among youngsters. Budding naturalists can join the Little Seedlings Club run by Dobbies in a session looking at the types of flowers that attract bees and butterflies, while the QMS Scotch Beef Children's Cookery Theatre offers the chance for youngsters to cook with fresh, seasonal produce.

Royal Highland Education Trust manager Alison Motion says: "The show is a highlight of our year-round programme of taking children on to farms and estates, or having farmer speakers in the classroom. Although it's all about enjoyment, we want to make sure our visiting children go away with more understanding of farming and food production. We are also thrilled to have a main ring spot as this will demonstrate to show visitors just how RHET connects with schools in Scotland."

But while for many who will visit the show it's a chance to see some cute animals, try some new food and drink, and check out the latest fashions, there will be some very serious business also taking place. The UK's 4 billion farm machinery, equipment and services industry will be looking for orders, while the Food Hall will be hoping to play its part in the Scottish Government's aim to grow the nation's food and drink industry by 12.5bn by 2017. In fact, the show contributes some 80m to the Scottish economy each year.

There will also be delegations from Kenya and China attending to swap farming knowledge and Ingliston House will play host to a strategy meeting of the influential 2020 Climate Change Group, set up to ensure that Scotland delivers its climate change plan of reducing carbon emissions by 42 per cent.

David says: "Our aim is to present an event that in all senses does the business. It's a chance to discuss the latest products and trends, a place to network, an opportunity to meet up with friends and a guarantee of an enjoyable time experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of one of Scotland's great industries."

n The Royal Highland Show, Royal Highland Showground runs from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets are available on the gate every day, with adults paying 25, concessions 20, and kids and carers going free. Call 0131-335 6236 for more information. Parking costs 5. Lothian Buses service 98 will run from the city centre to the showground every ten minutes. For timetables, call 0131-555 6363.

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