Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh 23rd – 26th June
Thursday 7, April 2011
A confident statement but one that rings true with the 190,000 people that flocked to The Royal Highland Show at Ingliston near Edinburgh last year.
For four days only, Scotland’s National Showground plays host to the very best of food, farming and countryside … and with a big slice of shopping and entertainment thrown in too!
Seasoned showgoers have discovered that the “Highland” is simply the best day out for all ages. It’s a time to meet up with friends, re-visit show favourites and see what’s new for this year.
For those yet to experience Scotland’s largest outdoor event, it takes some explaining.
That’s because the show, which has its roots firmly planted in the farming and rural industries, has expanded over its 171 years to become the biggest celebration of the very best Scotland has to offer.
This includes fashion, food, shopping, music, entertainment, action and activity and of course the finest farmyard animals – nearly 5,000 cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, goats and donkeys.
The show also has a strong educational remit so it’s a perfect place for enquiring minds – and with accompanied children under 16 getting in for free – it’s a good value day out.
For 2011, it’s the turn of the Borders to “host” the show, a throwback to the days when it travelled around the country before settling at its permanent home in Edinburgh.
As well as a celebration of local food and textiles, including silks, felt and cashmere, the Borders offering will also showcase some of the more interesting tourism offerings such as vintage camper vans and historic houses. And with rural pursuits popular in the area, a working pack of foxhounds will feature in the Main Ring on Sunday.
Look out too at the show for the Countryside Area where you can learn more about wildlife photography, the Outdoor Living Area with its stunning eco garden, Forestry Arena with chainsaw carving, Motor Zone, Equestrian Village, Renewables Section, Handcrafts Pavilion, the Agricultural Trade area with all the latest gleaming machinery plus competitions, demonstrations and loads of all-action features!
With so much to do it’s easy to miss out on some fantastic events, so grab a map and plan your day by logging onto royalhighlandshow.org
Royal Highland Show, main sponsor The Royal Bank of Scotland, 23rd – 26th June
For earlybird discounted tickets call (0)131 335 6236 or go on line at www.royalhighlandshow.org
The insider guide to the Royal Highland Show
1. For Little Ones
Children’s Discovery Zone
Run by the Royal Highland Education Trust, the Discovery Zone is the place to head for hands-on action. Milk a cow, taste yummy ice-cream, learn to cook and meet the incredible team who inspire youngsters to find out more about where food comes from.
Cycling Action
Watch and learn from the Scottish cycling stunt team. See as they perform near-impossible feats of balance … and then have a go if you dare!
Walking on Water on the Loch
Climb into a giant ‘hamster ball’ and walk on water. This gets busy so head here first!
Honey Marquee
See busy bees at work and learn the bee dance!
Story Telling
Magical story telling in a Yurt! Find it in the Countryside Area.
2. For Animal Lovers
Grand Parade
See the best-in-show as champions and prize-winners strut their stuff in the Main Ring on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Duck Commando – Countryside Area
Watch in wonder at the skill of the Border collie as ducks are shepherded over an obstacle course.
Highland Hall
Walk amongst the finest cattle in the Highland Hall and watch as they are groomed for the ring.
Poultry Marquee
See examples of Scotland’s most exotic chickens and compare their eggs.
3. For Food Lovers
Food Hall
The finest food and drink under one roof with plenty of opportunities for a wee taste.
Cookery Theatre
See some of Scotland’s finest chefs cook up delicious dishes from ingredients plucked from the Food Hall.
Cheese Competition
From the big brands to the artisan producer, Scotland’s cheese-makers compete for coveted championships.
Food At Every Turn
Bring a bag! All the main supermarkets will be present making the connection between Scottish farmers and consumers.
4. For Lovers of Shopping
Art Lovers
Angela Davidson’s exquisite original art and limited edition prints are always well received and make for a lovely reminder of your day at the show.
British Tweed
Head to Holland Cooper for beautifully-cut riding, sport and leisure wear.
Designer Wear
Joyce Young by Storm has a stunning collection of formal wear with a contemporary tartan twist.
Leather Goods
Looking for leather? Pampeano has everything from belts to sports bags and home wear to travel goods.
Furniture
Steven Burgess’ range of solid wooden furniture will last a lifetime.
5. For Music Lovers
Celda - Celtic Dance
Two of Scotland’s leading dance academies combine in this lively presentation of Scottish Highland and Irish Dancing.
Clanadonia
Scotland’s tribal band were a big hit on their show debut in 2009 and are sure to make a big impression again with their dramatic music and presentation.
Nickles & Dimes
Following the success of Country Music at the show last year, listen out for one of Scotland’s top country bands.
Super Trooper
One of the UK’s top rated tribute bands singing Abba’s biggest hits.
Beat That
This ever popular all female Samba Band will bring their vibrant rhythms and atmosphere to the show once again.
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