SCOTS firms are set to appear at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh this summer as the event returns in person for the first time since 2019.
Firms from the Highlands and Islands will be in the spotlight this time, as the annual celebration of rural life in Scotland returns physically for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first show, which took place in the Canongate – now part of the grounds of the Scottish Parliament.
Since moving to its permanent home at Ingliston in 1960, each region in Scotland takes its turn to be host.
This year is the turn of the Highlands and Islands, who will be aiming to showcase the innovation of the region, as well as highlighting the best of its produce.
Honorary President Ewan Macdonald explained: “We’re immensely proud to have the chance to be host region in this very special year for the Royal Highland Show.
“We’re using the chance to demonstrate how we have survived and thrived for centuries in this part of the world, by using our natural resources.”
With the theme “Scotland’s Natural Capital – Highlands and Islands”, a specially created exhibition will focus on tourism and culture, food and drink, as well as renewable energy and tackling climate change.
The various zones will tell the story of the region which is renowned for its use of natural resources to innovate, from the first commercial hydro scheme in the country at Loch Ness to the marine energy centre at Stromness.
More than 70 businesses and organisations from the Highlands and Islands region will take part in the show, from established names such as Johnston’s of Elgin and Walkers, to younger start-up companies, like Box’d and blacksmith James Ritchie from Muir of Ord.
A large section of the popular Food Hall, Scotland’s Larder has been given over to Highlands and Islands food producers.
And there will also be a focus on the region in the Home and Gift Hall with a number of craftspeople and artists selling their wares.
Highlands and Islands exhibitors will be hoping to reach up to 200,000 visitors who will attend the Show over the four days from Thursday 23rd June to Sunday 26th June.
As Ewan highlighted: “Many of these small producers could never consider attending the show on their own, but through grants we’ve been able to make it more affordable so they can test the water.
“We’re delighted to have such a spread of talent from across our whole region.
“This is our chance to show the rest of the country the fantastic place we call home. It’s always been a place where we turn our challenges into opportunities.”
The Presidential Initiative team is particularly pleased that is has encouraged representation from every part of the region which covers Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles, Highland and Moray.
All the counties of the Highlands are also featuring from Caithness to Lochaber.
