We will flock you: Explore the wild and woolly west
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
Bobbi Vetter is an award-winning artist and illustrator based in Oban, Argyll, with more than 30 years of experience.
Her Scottish background is important to her, and her work is inspired by the country’s wildlife, environment and heritage.
She uses watercolours, inks, acrylics, and digital techniques, but is always looking to improve and experiment with new ideas.
As a Gaelic learner, Bobbi incorporates both Gaelic and English text in in her artwork.
Bobbie said: “Since moving to Argyll, I have become aware of the difficulties of crofting and farming in the remote areas of Scotland.
“My design, Wild & Woolly West, aims to highlight the way these communities deal with the challenges they face every day, and to show the diversity of work that supports our mainland and island communities, from the farming itself to the cottage industries and tourism that keep them afloat, providing a valuable lifeline.”
Wild and Wooly West
Wild and Woolly West by Bobbi Vetter highlights the rising fuel costs impacting Scottish farmers.
The result is increased production costs and reduced profitability, which has serious implications for the ability of Scotland’sfarmers to compete in the global marketplace.
Fuel is a crucial input for agricultural production, particularly for operations such as planting, harvesting, and transportation.
To help combat this issue, Scottish farmers are implementing various strategies to reduce their fuel costs, including improving energy efficiency and adopting precision agriculture.
Meanwhile, reducing tillage can help reduce fuel consumption by minimising tractor use. Farmers have always changed crops in fields, but some are now exploring the use of cover crops and intercropping, which can improve soil health, and reduce pest pressure and nutrient requirements.
Meet the sponsor
Macklin Motors was established in 2010 after the group acquired its second Scottish dealership Paisley Peugeot.
With dealerships across Scotland, Macklin Motors is a local friendly expert for new cars, used cars, motability, new vans and used commercial vehicles.
They said: “We loved the idea of a large-scale public art trail around Scotland.
“We are all about community at Macklin Motors. As a group, we have national reach with dealerships in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dunfermline, and we are invested in the activities of the local communities where we operate.
“Bobbi the artist uses the challenges communities face every day and showcases the diversity of work that supports the mainland and island communities.”
Representatives of Macklin Motors will be attending the Royal Highland Show, with a variety of activities to entertain visitors passing by their stand.
Find your fleece
Locate today’s sheep and access our VIP competition to win free parking, hospitality, and lots more by following this link.