Every year, for 4 full days in late June, Scotland’s largest outdoor event takes place at Ingliston near the Capital’s Airport. With over 200,000 visitors and 1000 exhibitions of livestock, farming machinery, traditional textile, music and cookery, it is the biggest single rural gathering in Scotland as well as the UK’s premier agricultural event. Simply imagine the hustle and bustle of people, animals, colours and sounds! This is the Royal Highland Show.
Some of the things you will see during a typical show day
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) founded in Fortune’s Tontine Tavern(Old Stamp Office Close, Edinburgh) in 1784 is the host of this unique event. The first show was held on 26 December 1822 at Queensberry House(now part of the Scottish Parliament Complex), the highlight of which was the bull competition.
Highland Shows had been rotated in eight different locations until 1960 when Ingliston was purchased as the permanent site. It has been a favourite to the Royal Family since it welcomed the first royal visit in 1948 and was granted the royal title by King George VI. Queen Elizebeth II has been at the show three times during her reign.
Queen Elizabeth II’s 1st Visit in 1960 along with 9,8000 guests
For visitors, the Royal Highland Show may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While for farmers across Scotland, it is almost an annual pilgrimage. After a busy spring of sowing, planting, lambing and calving, this is the first time for the farmers to break out, to socialise and see customers. It should not be difficult to empathise with them when the RHS 2020, which would have been the 180th show, was cancelled for the reason we knew too well. This year, the RHASS set up an exclusive Royal Highland Showcase for audiences to savour some of the Scotland’s best from all corners of the world.
There is alway MORE to be discovered! We look forward to welcoming you in person for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Royal Highland Show in 23-26 June 2022!
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