We will flock you: who will prove worthy of the Golden Shears?

Flock to the Show is a large-scale public art trail across Scotland celebrating the return of the Golden Shears to the Royal Highland Show. We will feature one of this exclusive herd of artworks every day until we’ve rounded them all up. Today, Ava by Sarah Richmond, sponsored by Burness Paull LLP

The Golden Shears are returning

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

Sarah Richmond is an artist and illustrator in Edinburgh who specialises in creating art that incorporates colour pencil, gouache, and acrylic paint. Her inspiration comes from the natural world and her designs are characterised by their cheerful lively colours. Sarah hopes that her illustrations inspire both children and adults to appreciate and connect with their surrounding natural beauty.

Sarah said: “The taste and smell of strawberries means summer to me, a memorable childhood of picking your own fruit. One punnet for home, the other for sharing in the car.

“Scotland has a long-established history with berries and soft fruits and I remember driving up the A90 as a child, mesmerised by the rows and rows of growing tunnels.

“Ava is named after the variety of strawberry bred by Angus Soft Fruits, who are one of greatest soft fruit providers and a long-standing member of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland.”

Ava

Ava by Sarah Richmond raises awareness of animal grazing, which is essential for maintaining a natural environment by regulating vegetation growth and promoting biodiversity. Grazing animals, such as sheep and cattle, control vegetation growth, allowing for the establishment of other plant species and habitats for other wildlife.

They also promote nutrient cycling, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers, and help to prevent soil erosion.

Animal grazing is critical to protecting Scotland’s natural environment. Grazing animals’ habits

create a mosaic of habitats that support a range of plant and animal species. Grazing animals also help to maintain the cultural heritage of Scotland’s rural landscapes, such as heather moorland and upland pastures.

Overall, animal grazing is essential for sustaining Scotland’s natural environment, supporting rural communities, and preserving Scotland’s cultural identity.

Meet the sponsor

Burness Paull LLP is a full-service, independent law firm that works with leading organisations and individuals across the UK and internationally.

It draws on expertise from across the firm to support those working in Scotland’s rural industries to adapt and diversify. Representatives of Burness Paull will be at the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland’s Presidential Marquee at the Royal Highland Show.

They said: “Flock to the Show is a great platform to celebrate the best Scotland has to offer, including the work of local artists, fantastic products, and magnificent landscapes – much like the Royal Highland Show itself. It’s also an opportunity to shine a light on some really important issues facing the agricultural and rural sectors.”

Find your fleece

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