Innovation award entries sought for Royal Highland competition

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is inviting applications for its Technical Innovation Awards for new inventions and developments likely to be of major use to the farming and rural community.

The awards are designed to encourage and recognise innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, appliances, technical components or important ancillary equipment which have positive benefit to agriculture and/ or agricultural business, horticulture, equestrian, forestry or estate services. Entries should be commercially available or be prototypes in development.

The closing date for entries is 13 April and, the awards will be presented at the Royal Highland Show on Saturday 23 June.

“RHASS has a historic reputation for recognising and rewarding excellence,” said the society’s chairman, Jimmy Warnock. “Technical innovation is pivotal to the future, whether in improving the environment, promoting best practice or ensuring operator safety.”

He said that the awards were viewed as a prestigious recognition of any new invention, with many leading pieces of equipment having won the award over the years.

“Scotland has always celebrated innovation, and admired the wealth of both individuals and companies, striving towards improving efficiencies in the rural sectors with new equipment and techniques,” he said. “I look forward to seeing what exciting new innovations have been developed over the last year.”

Entries for the 2018 Technical Innovation Award should be made on the official entry form, downloadable from the Royal Highland Show’s website.