The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Highland Show plans are on track, says chairman
DISCUSSION: Suggestion RHASS is understaffed has been dismissed by chief executive
Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) chairman Jimmy Warnock is “100% certain” that the planning process for the 2019 Royal Highland Show is on track.
He was speaking following a meeting of the 59-strong RHASS board, where consideration was given to recent unrest among some members following the news that David Jackson, the society’s show manager, had left the business.
RHASS chief executive, Alan Laidlaw, said: “We had a full and frank discussion at the board, including discussing a letter that had been signed by a number of members.
“It has been said that there is only one person working on show preparations at the moment, but that is not what I see when I walk into the office every day.
“We have a good team of long-serving staff with a huge amount of experience in running the Royal Highland Show.
“What we have not had before is a plan in black and white as to how the show is put together, and that is what we are working on now, to make sure people interact effectively.”
As to whether a replacement show director would be appointed, Mr Laidlaw said the matter was still “under discussion”.
“There have been a number of changes and as a membership organisation, I would be worried if there were no questions. My door is always open,” he added.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the RHASS board also approved the appointment of national construction firm Robertson as the main contractor for the 1,750 square-metre structure that will act as a members’ pavilion during the Highland Show and as a multi-use events facility for the rest of the year.
The project, scheduled to be ready for 2020, is budgeted to cost £5 million.
Mr Laidlaw said: “It is all part of a £20m-investment programme. We have the funding in place and I am delighted to say that we have just finished our financial year with a strengthened balance sheet.
“We have recently sold an advertising site at the entrance to the airport for in excess of £2m and this along with a £3m-loan from RBS will be allocated to the new building.”