Livestock livestream: Sheep shearing contest online at Royal Highland Show
A sheep-shearing competiton is to be streamed online as part of plans to save the Royal Highland Show’s favourite crowd pleasers from the Covid lockdown devastation.
Organisers have agreed to host a reduced behind-closeddoors showcase online after reluctantly cancelling the physical event – one of the biggest agricultural shows in the UK – due to have taken place at its traditional showground at Ingliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Takingplaceweekcommencingjune14,theonlineshowcase will see the best in livestock judging, equestrian, food and drink, and rural skills and will belivestreamedfromtheshowgroundinedinburghtoaglobal audience.
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) confirmed Scottish Government funding of up to £750,000 will be provided to support the event, protecting the long-term sustainability of the Royal Highland Show and recognising its key role as a vehicle for education and cultural promotion of the Scottish rural and agricultural industries.
RHASS Chairman Bill Gray said: “This event will see Scotland’s agricultural industry taking centre stage as the country re-emerges from this dark time. It will be a tremendous Showcase of everything that RHASS champions, from equestrian to technical innovation, scotland's finest produce to sheep-shearing, forestry to farriery and of course the finest livestock. It is our opportunity to bring to life our industry’s work, to support our sector's mental wellbeing and create greater understanding between producer and consumer to help build a sustainable industry."
John Yates, Chief Executive of The british texel sheep society, added: “The Texel Sheep Society wishes RHASS every success with this Showcase. With ever changing legislation surrounding social distancing and other related Covid-19 restrictions, getting this event off the ground has clearly taken a considerable amount of time and planning.thetexelsocietyfullysupportstheeventandwishes all those connected with it, and competing at it, the best of luck in making this the unique celebration of scottish agriculture it deserves to be.”
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “I am looking forward to being able to recognise the hard work of the entrants and celebrate their achievements at the Showcase, albeit via livestream.”