The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
A preview of what next weekend has to offer
Perth Show returns to the centre of the Fair City next weekend, bringing with it a two-day programme of agriculture, equestrian, food and drink and other highlights.
Now in its 156th year, the show – the third largest of its type in Scotland – will be held on Friday, August 3 and Saturday August 4 with attractions including one of the finest line-ups of horses, donkeys, goats, cattle and sheep.
Meanwhile, more than 1,200 head of livestock will compete in around 340 classes while other competitors vie for prizes in cooking and handicrafts.
Throughout the event, trade stands, sideshows, entertainment, activities, shopping, music, parades and Perthshire On A Plate food festival will ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Show secretary Neil Forbes says organisers aim to provide an agriculture showcase that compares with the best.
He is also hopeful that all the months of grafting will be supported by good conditions.
He said: “You can plan everything else except the weather. We do put a lot of hard work into it and we have got a lot of good volunteers, giving their time and effort to put the show on the road.
“Our objective really is bringing the country to the town and it’s also to let the townspeople see what happens on the land.
“Seldom will a lot of people get as close to livestock as they do at the show.”
Friday is a day for horse lovers with all-day judging of ponies and horses proudly shown by exhibitors ranging from tots to adults.
Neil agrees the show is somewhat unique in having a day dedicated to horses. He said: “Some of the other shows used to have it and they stopped it. We have around 500 to 600 ponies and horses coming forward – we couldn’t possibly run the show on one day now. Over 30 years ago it used to be the case it was one day.”
On Saturday, the focus swings to other four-legged creatures. The day begins with the judging of heavy horses, cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys – including the awarding of the supreme champion accolades, all competing for the champion of champions trophy judged this year by Perth Show president David Armstrong.
Afternoon entertainment consists of a grand parade of show winners. This will be followed by the parade of vintage vehicles.
Smaller visitors looking for some entertainment can take advantage of the children’s sideshows and fun rides. But they will no doubt enjoy getting up close to some of the many animals at the show, too.
Neil said: “Goats are such inquisitive animals and kids just love them.
“We introduced miniature goats and they bound around and are just like little pets.”
With the show attracting thousands of visitors every year, it will continue to feature many of the traditional aspects of agricultural shows, valued by generations of farmers, as well as newer attractions.
Like his fellow show secretaries, Neil is acutely aware these events are no longer just get-togethers for people working in the farming industry.
“All agricultural shows – from the Highland Show downwards – have had to diversify to bring in the general public,” he said.
“That’s what we have tried to do by going towards our food and drink pavilion. You only need to go into the cookery theatre when the chefs are on and the place is packed.
“The agricultural population is falling now. Farms that used to have five or six workers on them in the old days have now got one, if they’re lucky.
“So that audience is dying away now and we have to look other audiences and be able to satisfy their needs as well.”
Neil adds: “We are hoping for good weather to help us on our way – we have had a good summer so far and we don’t want it to change now with the show coming up!”