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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
Marianne Frew is a watercolour artist based in Alyth, Perthshire. Originally from the Island of Luing in Argyll, she has a degree in hospitality and tourism practice, and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years.
While working as joint event co-ordinator for Alyth Creates, a festival of art, music, heritage, and the outdoors, she felt inspired to return to painting. Since the beginning of this new journey, Marianne has developed a passion for painting wildlife, farm animals, and people.
Her sheep design incorporates Scottish landscapes and the story of grass to yarn. The golden shears around the sheep’s neck represent a gold medal, with the flag bunting demonstrating the multinational Golden Shears World Championships.
On one side of the sheep are the shearers representing an inclusive industry. On the other side, the focus is on hill sheep farming and the diverse and challenging landscapes involved in the endeavour.
Grass to Yarn
Grass to Yarn by Marianne Frew highlights the dangers of farming and the need to improve safety in the agricultural industry.
Farming can be extremely dangerous due to the use of heavy machinery and equipment, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the risk of injury from livestock. Accidents on farms can result in serious injury or death, making safety training and awareness crucial for farmers and their workers.
Farm safety records are an important tool for identifying and mitigating risks on farms, but there are challenges to collecting and analysing the data. In Scotland, farmers are taking steps to improve safety records by implementing new protocols and training programmes, using new technology to monitor and manage risks, and working with industry groups to share best practices and promote awareness of safety issues.
However, more needs to be done to improve Scottish safety records and prevent more accidents.
Meet the sponsor
Formed in 1989, The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is an education charity providing free experiential learning opportunities for Scotland’s young people and teachers on food, farming and the working countryside.
RHET said: “The campaign messaging resonates with the work of RHET, raising awareness of food production and sustainability in Scotland.
“The work of the charity behind the campaign, RHASS, continues to support many aspects of the agricultural sector and rural communities, including education, so it was a perfect opportunity for RHET to engage.
“Plus, the Flock is an eye-catching, colourful spectacle which is a fun activity in the run up to the show. “The artist has caught the spirit of the campaign and we are proud to be part of the Flock tour.”
Find your fleece
Locate today’s sheep and access our VIP competition to win free parking, hospitality, and lots more by following this link.