Royal Highland receives 1,100 entries for livestreamed show

Organisers of the virtual Royal Highland Show say they have been “spurred on” after receiving more than 1,100 entries.

After the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s show, the event will take place at the Ingliston showground, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, from 14 to 20 June.

The showing and judging of the livestock will be livestreamed during the behind-closed-doors showcase, which will welcome exhibitors from across the UK to shine a spotlight on the best of the country’s livestock. 

See also: Mixed prospects for agriculture shows during 2021

So far, 241 beef cattle entries have been received, with the largest class being British Limousin (37), with Highland cattle close behind (33). The dairy section has seen 78 entries, with classes in dairy showmanship (28), Holstein dairy calves (32) and coloured dairy calves (18) taking place this year.  

Sheep entries total 775, with Texels leading the way with 96 entries, followed closely by the Shetland class (77) and Blue Texel (63).

Goat classes have seen 84 entries overall. Competitions this year are for dairy adults (39), dairy kids (15), pygmy (7), Boer (18) and goat young handlers (5). 

The Scottish championships have also strong entry figures for dairy (180), handcrafts (163) and bread (69) categories. 

‘Eagerness to get back’

“We have been spurred on by the number of entries we’ve received for the showcase, which highlight the eagerness of competitors to get back into the show rings,” said David Tennant, competitions manager of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).

“The country’s livestock and Scottish produce will truly be on the world stage this year, with classes livestreamed online and available to watch around the world.

“We know there is an appetite from our international community to get involved with the showcase, and there will be breeders from Sydney to Canada with eyes on it this year.”

Some classes will not take place due to the minimum number of entries not being achieved, but RHASS hopes to see Swaledale, Scotch Mule, Cheviots and more breeds back in the ring for 2022.