Royal Highland Show 2021 to be streamed online

Organisers of the Royal Highland Show (RHS) are working on an online event to be held in June after it was confirmed the traditional 2021 show will not happen due to coronavirus uncertainty.

The plans would see livestock judging, showjumping and other competitions still take place at the Ingliston showground, near Edinburgh, and streamed online to the audience.

Directors of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society (RHASS) are in favour of the idea and have asked the organisers to present full proposals following talks with exhibitors, sponsors and industry groups.

See also: Mixed prospects for agriculture shows during 2021

Along with livestock and equestrian, other popular parts of the show would run.

This includes young handlers, technical innovation, cookery and handcrafts, farriery, forestry and sheep shearing.

Bill Gray, RHASS chairman, said concerns raised about the likelihood of any large events taking place in 2021 had forced the rethink.

‘Innovative and exciting’

“The prospect of extended restrictions, combined with advice from senior-level Scottish government officials, left us with no other choice but to seek an alternative to the staging of the traditional Royal Highland Show,” Mr Gray said.

“While deeply disappointing, what is possible is genuinely innovative and exciting and we are confident that with the power of the latest streaming technology and the finest elements of the show, we can create something truly special that is a true reflection of Scotland’s rural industries.”

RHASS members would be given access to the livestream for free.

Alan Laidlaw, RHASS chief executive, said: “The Royal Highland Show is an agricultural show and livestock exhibitors, competitions and equestrian are the backbone of this event so this will be our focus and we have some great ideas as to how we can make this work.

“We will collaborate with our industry partners, sponsors and sector bodies over the coming weeks and we hope everyone will get behind us to make this the best showcase possible.”

Exact dates and further details are expected to be released by the end of March.