Highland Show kicks off with full programme despite £3m losses

Organisers of the Royal Highland Show say they will be delivering a full event this year despite a multi-million pound gap in their finances.

The Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland said it was heading towards a more sustainable financial footing after recording a loss last year of more than £3m.

The 202-year-old event kicked off earlier at Ingliston in Edinburgh.

Last year more than 200,000 people attended the four-day event, but spiralling costs and the fallout from the pandemic proved financially challenging.

However, in its annual report, the charity said it had made significant changes to its income and cost model, meaning it would still deliver a full Highland Show.

More than 4,000 animals will take part in hundreds of competitions while produce from across Scotland will be available for sampling in the show's food hall.

David Tennant, Head of Royal Highland Show, said there were 800 exhibitors spread across the 110 acre site for the sell-out event.

He said: “Our traditional show elements very much remain at the heart of the weekend, with the best of British livestock and equine competing.

"But we also have many unexpected and family-friendly activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

"From music to BMX stunts, cookery displays, the farrier competition, sheep sheering and birds of prey and sheepdog demonstrations."