Flocking Together

Royal Highland Show brings the best of rural Scotland to Edinburgh

- PAUL FISHER COCKBURN

ACCORDING to David Tennant, head of the event, the Royal Highland Show is many things.

It's a showcase of the best of food, farming and rural life that Scotland has to offer. It's also an opportunity for Scottish agriculture to come together and celebrate everything that is great about the industry.

But, importantly, it's also a great family day out.

David says, "Kids get to come for free and the variety of activities is - I dare to say - endless. There's something that will interest all the family, whether it's the animals, the crafts or the food.

"And there's a hands-on element to it as well - you can get stuck into what is great about the agricultural industry in Scotland."

With the vast majority of Scotland's population living in its cities and towns, helping forge understanding between rural and urban areas is an important goal.

"One of our main charitable remits is to educate people about where food comes from," David says.

"That's where the Royal Highland Show comes into its own- putting that spotlight on Scotland. We have a world-class food industry, and our produce is grown to the highest standards. This is the place where that urban audience can really see where their food is coming from and how it gets on to their plate.

"Also, especially in times like now when things are more expensive, people are definitely thinking more about where they spend their money. It's really highlighting how buying and supporting our local economies helps ensure our food security."