2016 Royal Highland Show

USPA NEWS - The Royal Highland Show is one of Scotland´s most iconic and enduring annual events. Billed as the biggest and best celebration of farming, food and rural life, the “˜Royal Highland' is one of Europe´s most impressive rural shop windows.

A visit to the Royal Highland is the best way to experience the rich diversity of rural Scotland ““ from prize-winning livestock, the latest farm machinery, fine food and drink, outdoor living and countryside, traditional rural skills, live music, cookery demonstrations, to forestry events, handcrafts, the Children´s Education Centre, heavy horses, show-jumping, the motor zone and lots of shopping.

Dates: The 2016 Royal Highland Show will take place from Thursday, June 23, to Sunday, June 26. The organisers, agricultural charity the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) held their first show in 1822 in Edinburgh´s Canongate on a site now occupied by the Scottish Parliament. The 2016 Show is the 176th and the 56th to be held at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.

Venue: The Royal Highland Centre (RHC), Ingliston, Edinburgh, is situated adjacent to Edinburgh International Airport on the A8, a short bus from the city centre and a few hundred metres from the main UK motorway network.The area within the showground extends to 40 hectares and there are an additional 60 hectares for parking for more than 20,000 vehicles - the largest car park in Scotland!

The Royal Highland Show has been held annually at Ingliston since 1960 but was cancelled in 2001 due to foot and mouth disease. Prior to 1960, the Show moved around the country to locations in the RHASS´s eight electoral areas - Perth, Stirling, Strathclyde, Aberdeen, Lothian, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway and Highland. This year, Strathclyde is the “˜host´ area.

Show Opening Times and Ticket Prices: Thursday: 07.00““20.00. Friday and Saturday: 08.00““20.00. Sunday: 08.00““18.30.Admission price for an adult on all four days is £27 with concessions at £22 available for senior citizens and students. All children under 15 accompanied by an adult go free. There are “early bird“ discounts available at £22 and £19. Car parking is £8 per day. For “early bird“ tickets, visit the website www.royalhighlandshow.org

Some of the Main Attractions: Agricultural Trade Area: The farm machinery, equipment and services industry regards the Royal Highland as one of the best UK events or doing business. The Show has remained true to its core base with a high percentage of the trade exhibitors focused on supplying and advising farming and other rural businesses. £72million worth of machinery will be on display at the Show.

Children´s Education Centre: Run by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), there are lots of hands-on activities for youngsters including opportunities to cook with Scottish produce at the Cookery Theatre. Around 30,000 will pop in during the Show, either with families or in school parties. Countryside Area: With its own loch and some stunning landscaping, this area features trade stands, demonstrations and events reflecting a wide range of country sports, activities and rural skills.

Economic Impact: Independent studies have concluded that the economic impact of the Show in 2015 was in the region of £46.m. Food & Drink at the Royal Highland: 2015 saw the launch of a brand new look for the Royal Highland Show´s food hall. Rebranded as “˜Scotland´s Larder Live!´, this food show within the Show offers the very best produce from the length and breadth of Scotland and further afield. There will be live cooking experiences, an opportunity to have taste buds tickled at every step and hundreds of products on sale, from Orkney artisan cheese to botanical infused gin from Angus.

Forestry Arena: Forestry industry action in one specialised location - chainsaw carving, axe throwing, timber shifting, handsaw skills, horse-logging and world record attempts in poleclimbing on the 80ft poles, sponsored by Scottish Woodlands. New for this year is the utilities competition, where those from the utilities sector who climb poles as part of their jobs can now compete in their own competition. International Influence: The Show has a worldwide reputation and attracts many visitors from overseas. International guests are looked after at the Show´s own International Visitor Centre.

Highland Hall: Scotland´s largest temporary cattle shed housing over 1000 beef and dairy cattle with nearly 20 breeds on display.Livestock & Poultry: In addition to the cattle, there are around 1500 sheep, 2000 horses, 100 goats and more than 500 of our feathered friends. MacRobert Theatre: Plenty of sheep shearing action in this purpose-built facility, which has previously hosted the “Golden Shears“ World Championships. Motor Zone: In the South area of the showground, the Motor Zone features all the latest vehicles for cross country, utility and every-day use. Music & Entertainment: Ceilidh to country, traditional pipes & drums to traditional jazz. A full programme of entertainment at various locations in the showground.

Outdoor Living: Enjoy the alfresco lifestyle with exhibits designed to help you enjoy the outdoor life on your very own doorstep! Shopping: Shop “˜til you drop! That´s the maxim for many who come to the show. There´s an opportunity to purchase everything at the Show´s 1,100 tradestands, from food to fashion, wellies to whisky, crafts to campervans. New for 2016 is the revamped 13th Avenue Shopping Arcade, featuring luxury fashion, homewares and jewellery and its very own Prosecco bar to relax in. Show-jumping: Some of the UK´s top riders compete for £48,000 in prize money.

Show-jumping: Some of the UK´s top riders compete for £48,000 in prize money. The RHASS: The Society was established in 1784 to promote the trade, agriculture, poetry, language and music of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Today, it is principally known for the Royal Highland Show but its activities cover much more. In addition to making awards and grants, the Society has a strong educational role in promoting all aspects of rural life in Scotland including agriculture, horticulture and forestry

Membership: The RHASS membership is currently over 15,000. At the Society´s foundation, membership was 128.
Show Attendance: The Royal Highland Show is one of Scotland´s top attractions and the largest outdoor annual event. Attendances: 2008 ““ 161,026; 2009 ““ 176,522; 2010 ““ 187,644; 2011 ““ 182,984; 2012-161,242; 2013 - 170,556; 2014 ““ 178,800 2015-188,449

Sponsors: The Royal Bank of Scotland ““ a supporter of the Show since 1981.