Golden Shears are put on hold

The Golden Shears World S hearing& Wool H andling competition, due to take place at the 2022 Royal Highland Show, is to be postponed until 2023.

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland( RH ASS) and the Golden Shears World Shearing Council Executive said that the decision had been taken to protect the integrity of the competition amid the uncertainty relating to staging of qualifying events in 2021.

The Golden Shears World S hearing& Wool Handling Championships is a global competition featuring competitors from over 30 countries.

Commenting on the postponement, RHASS chairman Bill Gray said: “Although we are disappointed to reschedule, we know it is a necessary step to ensure we can host a successful Golden Shears event. RHASS and the Golden Shears World Shearing Council Executive have put careful thought into what is required to ensure the competition is the very best it can be.

“Postponement to 2023 will allow us time beyond current Covid-19 restrictions to build towards our shared goal of an inclusive and memorable World Shearing & Wool Handling Championship. Meanwhile, as we plan for the 2021 Royal Highland Show, we remain committed that shearing will feature in the show line up.”

George Graham, Chairman of World Shearing Council, added that while the decision had not been reached easily it was felt to be the best way forward.

“With extra time to pre - pare, we can ensure that all qualifying events and the championships can take place as safely as possible,” he said.