David Jackson: Royal Highland Show is a huge boost to the Scottish economy

The Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, Edinburgh. Picture: Toby Williams

Like all successful and long-lasting enterprises, it’s been necessary to adapt in order to meet the demands of modern rural and agriculture industries and outdoor events, but it has succeeded in this as well as in retaining its authenticity and traditions.

It is a unique event and one that continues to grow year on year, with more than 190,000 visitors in 2017. With this growth comes significant economic gains for not only the RHASS (Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland) charity to carry out its important work in Scotland, but for many of the regions and businesses of Scotland and beyond.

Recent research commissioned by RHASS has illustrated the significant economic impact of the Royal Highland Show on the Scottish economy, which is estimated to be £54 million.

When you analyse the figures it’s clear how you reach this significant impact. The 2017 show attracted more than 1,000 trade exhibitors. A great deal of business is generated as a result, with 6 per cent of exhibitors undertaking more than 10 per cent of their annual business turnover there.

The total revenue generated by trade exhibitors at last year’s show is estimated at £19.86m. This is business that, it is strongly argued, would not happen without the Royal Highland Show taking place.

It is a major factor in why we see increasing interest from exhibitors from the UK and abroad, who now recognise this to be an international event, with genuine business opportunities. In fact, almost 40 per cent of our exhibitors are from outside Scotland, as they recognise the importance of the Scottish marketplace.

It will come as no surprise that the event also has a considerable impact on the hospitality sector – with the show attracting a significant number of visitors who stay overnight in the area.

This equates to approximately 62,710 bed nights and, based on an average cost of £75 per night, would total £4.7 million. Based on carefully estimated average expenditure of £35 per person, in addition to accommodation, with 190,000 attendees over the four days of the show, this delivers a direct £6.6 million spend.

The sums really do add up and I think it’s important to recognise the scale and the value of the show to the Scottish economy. It’s because the show is a celebration of the wealth of Scottish produce and products, an event at which key business decisions are made, and it brings to life the everyday impact that agriculture and food has on all our lives.

There is fantastic loyalty to the show, with almost two-thirds of attendees having been there five times or more. What is also pleasing is the number of people attending for the first time – which rose by 20 per cent last year, illustrating how the Royal Highland Show is attracting a new audience due to the growing interest of consumers in where our food comes from and the importance of farming and rural life.

While sales are important to exhibitors, in today’s marketplace brand awareness is probably more vital, and our exhibitors know that the footfall the show generates will result in both income and brand recognition which are key to business success.

This has an ongoing economic effect that should not be overlooked. The support of our long-term sponsors just goes to show the value of being associated with the show. Aligning your brand with the Royal Highland Show adds a credibility to your business and gives once a year access to the largest four-day event in Scotland. We continue to welcome new sponsors as it evolves and grows.

If you haven’t experienced the show before, I encourage you to attend this year. The four-day event offers so much – world class livestock, rural crafts, a dedicated forestry area, and a variety of live music and entertainment, and you can enjoy, arguably, the best and largest food festival in Scotland – which has seen tremendous growth in recent years.

There really is something for everyone, and you will leave in the knowledge you have made a worthy and vital contribution to the Scottish economy and Scottish agriculture, giving it vital support to grow and succeed for future generations. The Royal Highland Show… the best of farming, food and rural life.

The 2018 Royal Highland Show takes place from 21-24 June. For further information please visit www.royalhighlandshow.org @ScotlandRHShow and #RHS2018

David Jackson, show manager of the Royal Highland Show.