Challenge of mixing the traditional and the new

Perth Show chairman Peter Stewart is getting excited about this year’s event

Peter Stewart, 42, a partner with Perth law firm Anderson Beaton Lamond, lives in Perth with his wife and three children.

Vice-chairman of Perth Show last year, Peter has embraced the role of chairman for 2017.

Although he isn’t a farmer himself, he was and is deeply involved with the farming community.

“I come from a farming background – both my mother’s and father’s families were farmers and I grew up on a farm near Dunfermline,” he said.

“I remember as a boy with my mum and dad we used to come up to the Perth Show. It was very important when we were younger, it was where the farmers met up.”

“Every year we’ve got about a team of directors, some of whom have a particular remit such as the cattle convener.

“The chairman’s job is to make sure that everyone is doing their part – the show is always changing and the role involves overseeing the whole thing.

“A couple of years ago we decided to start a food tent, last year that became Perthshire on a Plate and that will be an important part of the show again this year.”

Other recent changes have included the reintroduction of showjumping.

“Last year we had showjumping for the first time in several years and this year the events will feature two classes affiliated to the BSJ,” added Peter.

For Peter, keeping the show fresh, but without losing the traditional appeal that it holds for local farmers, is one of the key elements of his chairmanship.

We are very lucky in Perth – we are a very rural city, it’s really unique. PETER STEWART