Royal Highland Show: Election fever to take centre stage
© Represent The Royal Highland Show, positioned just two weeks before the general election, will be a key target for political parties vying for the farming vote.
Candidates standing for Scottish seats will battle it out for those all-important photo opportunities and a chance to present their rural manifesto pledges to voters.
The show, which is expecting 220,000 visitors, runs for four days from 20-23 June at Ingliston, Edinburgh.
See also: NFU Scotland launches manifesto for general election
Alan Laidlaw, chief executive of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (Rhass), said although the impending election would add to the show’s appeal to politicians, its reputation as a platform for political debate and “sense checking” of rural policy was not new.
Since devolution, control of agriculture and forestry has passed to the Scottish government, but the UK government remains responsible for overall policy in a number of areas, including trade.
Mr Laidlaw said the show fell at an important time for people to come together to reflect on what might lay ahead.
Livestock showing
Away from politics, some of the UK’s finest livestock will be making their way to Edinburgh to compete in the show rings.
There are about 6,000 animals listed in the schedules, boosted by some new classes including, for the first time, competitions for Kerry Hill sheep.
Mr Laidlaw said equestrian classes were particularly strong, with the show team at some points struggling to keep up with the administration around entries.
He reckons the challenging weather, which has given farmers little time for a break between seasonal jobs, is a factor in driving demand for show tickets and a chance to compete.
“Some of the classes sold out in record time,” he said.
Royal approval
The show falls in a year when the event’s organiser has a new patron.
Although there are no current plans for him to attend, King Charles’ patronage of the Rhass strengthens the show’s links with the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth II attended the show on three occasions, her final visit being in 2009.
Other members of the royal household have also attended, including the Queen Mother in 1954 and 1964, and the Princess Royal in 2008, 2015 and last year.
The Princess Royal at last year’s show © Represent
Mr Laidlaw said the King would continue the royal family’s long-standing tradition of “supporting Scotland’s agricultural and rural communities”.
“In what is our 240th anniversary year, when we are celebrating all that has been achieved over the last two centuries, and looking ahead to supporting the future of industry, it is fitting that we have a new royal patron to support Scotland’s agricultural achievements.”
The King, long known as an environmental champion, is likely to approve of Rhass’ appeal to farmers and others attending the show to arrive by public transport where possible.
Even though there are more than 6ha of car parking and what are described as “robust logistics” in place to minimise traffic disruption, visitors are encouraged to consider taking the tram or bus.
Machinery on show
While cars and trucks are discouraged, there will be lots of metal on display in the showground itself, showcasing some of the latest pieces of agricultural hardware and equipment.
For farmers wanting to get a first glimpse of the new Fendt 600 Vario series in Scotland, the show is the place, including the top-of-the-range Fendt 620 Profi+, which offers 209hp from a four-cylinder, five-litre Agco engine.