A time for pride as well as worry
A time for pride as well as worry
Despite low prices and uncertainty about the future, this
years Royal Highland Show should still be a cheery event.
Shelley Wright previews the show, which starts on
Thursday next week, and some of the likely talking points
SCOTLANDS annual celebration of its food and farming excellence – the Highland Show – gets underway next week.
The four-day run at Ingliston will attract about 150,000 visitors, more than 1500 of them from overseas. And rain or shine, there will be plenty to see and do.
Despite another year of depressed prices, uncertainty over the future and the ever-present struggle to keep up to date with rules, regulations and form-filling, the Highland Show will be a cheery event.
For four days farmers can put behind them the difficulties they face at home – whether that be scraping a break-even price for pigs, losing money on every litre of milk produced, or wondering if the trade for this years malting barley is going to be as dismal as last.
The great thing about shows is that they offer so much. The chance to stand by the judging rings and admire the stunning livestock on show, the chance to meet and greet old friends and new. And yes, the chance to look at the new machinery thats on offer or take advice from the many experts on hand to see if theres something you can do just a little bit smarter to improve efficiency.
Getting away
But the best bit, certainly in these days of uncertainty, is just getting away from the farm for a day or two and spending time with like-minded folk. Sure, the talk may get round to how tough things are but that in itself is no bad thing – such conversations might seem depressing to passers by, but when you work in relative isolation for much of the time its important to know youre not alone; that everyone else is struggling as much as you are.
But even though Scotlands farmers have had a turbulent time in the past few years, like everyone else in the UK, there is still much to be proud of and even if it pours for four days the pride of showing to the world how good Scottish agriculture is will shine through.
SHOW DATA
Where? Ingliston, next to Edinburgh Airport
When? June 22-25
How much?
Thur/Fri – Adults £15, Under16s and OAPs £7.50
Sat/Sun – Adults £12.50, Under 16s and OAPS – £7
Sat/Sun – family tickets for 2 adults and 3 children £25
Car Parking: £4/day
Opening time: 8am