Perth Show enjoys double ‘cattle coup’

Scotland’s top Simmental and Highland cattle will compete in national breed competitions at Perth Show next month, writes Nancy Nicolson.

The annual event at the city’s South Inch on August 4 and 5 is thrilled to have secured the Highland Cattle Gathering and the Scottish National Simmental Show, which are likely to attract the largest gatherings of the breeds this year.

Perth Show secretary Neil Forbes said having the two national cattle shows in one year was a “terrific achievement”.

“We’re thrilled to be able to host these two crowd-pleasers,” he said.

“Both national events are staged at county shows around the country and Perth is delighted to welcome back the Scottish National Simmental Show in its landmark 10th year, having previously hosted the event on its first and fifth anniversaries.”

The biennial Highland Cattle Gathering was first staged at the Black Isle in 2015 and Perth Show is celebrating a “cattle coup” by securing the second national event.

“Highland Cattle are always hugely popular with the crowds at Perth Show,” he said.

“We would expect to see some of the finest cattle in the country on show at Perth in the National Gathering – hopefully including some from the Queen’s fold at Balmoral Estate.”

Show chairman Peter Stewart said the two cattle shows would help turn the national farming spotlight on Perth next month.

Highland Cattle Society secretary Sian Sharp said the success of the inaugural gathering at the Black Isle Show led to county shows from all over the country clamouring to host the event.