Meet the Flockers: shear delight at this year’s Royal Highland Show

We’re rounding up all the individual artworks that form the massive cross-country public art trail Flock to the Show, which points in celebration to this year’s come back for the Golden Shears competition to the Royal Highland Show. Today – Daisy Meadow by Rosie Watson sponsored by Turcan Connell

Sheep trail fun with Daisy Meadow

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

Rosie Watson is an artist and illustrator living on the east coast of Scotland, creating illustrations primarily with watercolour and gouache paint, as well as collage and digital treatments.

She is inspired by nature and wildlife she sees walking around her home town of North Berwick and on the Scottish islands.

Rosie graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design with a textiles degree in 2017 and continued her creative journey working on exciting commissions, and designing different ranges of greeting cards.

Rosie says: “My design is inspired by long walks in the Lammermuir Hills, East Lothian. The never-ending openness of the moorland allows me to switch off, think, and be inspired.

“The wildflower meadows bring bursts of colour and provide a haven to bugs, creatures, and birds.

“Walking around the peaceful hills on a winding path, you can spot woodlands and wildlife, while taking in nature’s unspoiled, rugged beauty.”

Daisy Meadow

Daisy Meadow by Rosie Watson aims to raise awareness of the very real threat to Scottish agriculture posed by avian flu.

The disease has had devastating effects on poultry producers, with whole flocks being lost, and presents increasingly challenging working conditions.

Avian flu can lead to trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and reputational damage.

Effective biosecurity measures and vaccination programs are crucial to mitigate the aggressive impact of the disease.

An outbreak of avian flu can have severe consequences for poultry farmers, as it can result in significant losses if flocks are lost –impacting both producers and ultimately consumers.

Meet the sponsor

Turcan Connell is a premier private client firm based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. It provides legal and tax advice to individuals and families, servicing their personal and commercial interests.

The firm specialises in efficient tax, estate and succession planning across family generations. Clients value its ability to draw on the expertise of the wider firm during key lifetime events, supported by a culture of collegiality and technical excellence.

Turcan Connell says: “As a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Highland Show, not only are we supporting an event which brings almost £40 million to our local economy, we are championing a campaign that promotes key challenges facing the rural sector.

“Flock to the Show shines a lens on those causes in many geographic areas in an appealing way that speaks to all ages.”

Find your fleece

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