Rain greets Highland Show crowds

22 June 2000



Rain greets Highland Show crowds

by Fwi staff

AN ESTIMATED 150,000 people are expected to attend the Royal Highland Show which opened outside Edinburgh on Thursday (22 June).

Much will depend on the weather, but organisers hope the number of visitors will surpass last years total of 143,015 over four days.

Thursday morning was overcast and by 10.30am the heavens had opened, sending visitors and exhibitors scurrying for umbrellas.

But a show spokesman predicted that business worth around 100m would be undertaken on the showground despite the agricultural crisis.

Market conditions are tough but Scottish farmers leader Jim Walker believes progress is being made in securing a better future for agriculture.

Mr Walker, president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, said the Scottish parliament has benefited the farm sector north of the border.

Scottish rural affairs minister Ross Finnie, who has responsibility for agriculture in Scotland, is attending the Royal Highland Show.

Mr Walker said: He has brought a fresh approach to the job, with a good understanding of the marketplace and where we need to go.

Also among the guests will be Princess Anne, president of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, the shows organisers.

About 1500 overseas visitors from 70 countries are expected to attend the four-day show which runs until Sunday (June 25).