Flock around fun: droving home for the Royal Highland Show

This year, the Royal Highland Show is celebrating the return of Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships with a massive cross-country public art trail called Flock to the Show – join us as we round them up individually. Today: Glen Gustavo by Lola Awada sponsored by Lothian Buses
Glen Gustavo by Lola AwadaGlen Gustavo by Lola Awada
Glen Gustavo by Lola Awada

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

Lola Awada is a multidisciplinary artist who creates work in different media, including painting, sculpture, photography, installations and photomontages.

The Beirut-born, FrancoLebanese artist is mostly inspired by nature and music.

When she was three, war broke out in Lebanon and she subsequently lived in Italy, and France before moving to London in 1990. After becoming a mother, Lola completed a BA in graphic design and illustration at the London College of Communication.

She has exhibited nationally and overseas and collaborated with other international artists and organisations. Lola is multilingual and speaks English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, and is currently learning Mandarin.

Her cross-cultural upbringing, way of life, and friends, have left her feeling universal, belonging to no place in particular and to all places at once.

Glen Gustavo

Glen Gustavo by Lola Awada highlights the issues related to the public visiting Scottish rural areas following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, and the subsequent strain put on local resources.

Small rural communities have limited infrastructure, including roads, medical facilities, and grocery stores. A sudden increase in visitors can put a great strain on these resources.

While some farmers have seen an increase in sales as people look to buy local produce, others have struggled to keep up with demand.

An influx of visitors can also have significant social and cultural impacts on countryside communities. Incomers may not be familiar with local customs, or may not fully understand the challenges facing rural residents.

Increased traffic, littering, and damage to natural areas can all negatively impact the local environment, which can in turn affect the livelihoods of farmers and locals who rely on natural resources.

Meet the sponsor

Lothian Buses is the UK’s largest municipal bus company and one of the region’s largest employers, with more than 2,500 staff.

Incorporated in 1919, the company continues to serve its customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with more than 70 services running day and night.

It says: “Every year, Lothian prides itself on providing a reliable, sustainable and value for money transport option for visitors attending the RHS, and we are delighted to partner the Flock to the Show art trail trial to celebrate the return of Golden Shearers.

“The artist’s love of nature and the landscapes of Patagonia and Scotland have been truly reflected in this design. We love how colourful and eye-catching the design is and are delighted to welcome Glen Gustavo to our flock.”

Find your fleece

Locate today’s sheep and access our VIP competition to win free parking, hospitality, and lots more by following this link.

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