Let’s flock ‘n’ roll: and we will this summer
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
Julie-Anne is a British surface designer and muralist who specialises in outdoor work and, in particular, gardening. She grew up in a flower shop in Shropshire and worked for beekeepers throughout her time at Central Saint Martins.
Striving to champion the underdogs of the everyday, Julie-Anne uses striking, hand[1]painted watering cans to inspire others to celebrate our world.
Following a collaboration with The Conran Shop, her work has been stocked in design-led retailers in London, Seoul, and Tokyo, by the British Design Museum, and more recently for Paul Smith’s cafe in Paris.
The body of Flower Me With Kisses is adorned with Scottish flora in a vibrant array of shapes and colours. Julie-Anne holds growth, positivity, and the beauty of nature at the core of this design, aiming to give others a moment’s rest to appreciate “the now”. She said: “Flowers will come and go, but memories will always live on...”
Flower Me With Kisses
Flower Me With Kisses by Julie-Anne Pugh highlights the challenges of individuals and communities facing rural isolation.
People in rural areas may have limited opportunities to connect with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Their communities may have scant access to health care, education, and other services, making it difficult to access support they need. They may have reduced job opportunities, leading to economic hardship and financial stress. Children may have limited access to quality education, leading to fewer opportunities in adulthood.
And such communities may have restricted transportation options, making it difficult to access services or travel to work. These challenges can have significant negative impacts on mental health, leading to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, and they can also contribute to poor physical health, such as increased rates of obesity and chronic disease.
Meet the sponsor
Baird Lumsden is a division of DM Hall, one of the largest firms of independent chartered surveyors in Scotland, and has provided a range of rural property services for more than 125 years.
Baird Lumsden said: “Travelling the length and breadth of the country, we see many parts of the rich and vibrant Scottish countryside.
“This campaign will hopefully encourage many others to get outside in search of the sheep and support the RHASS’s charitable activities.
“Individuals and communities experiencing rural isolation can face a range of challenges that can have a significant negative impact on mental health and wellbeing.
“Awareness of issues like these aligns closely with DM Hall Baird Lumsden’s five-year partnership with charity partner, Scottish Association for Mental Health, who work tirelessly to influence positive social change.”
Find your fleece
Locate today’s sheep and access our VIP competition to win free parking, hospitality, and lots more by following this link.