The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced that the 2021 Royal Highland Show will not go ahead - following guidance from senior Scottish Government officials.
This is the second year that Scotland’s largest event, attracting roughly 200,000 visitors each year, will not take place due to the global pandemic.
Disappointed organisers said they left "no stone unturned" in their determination to host the 180th Royal Highland Show, but said restrictions likely to still be in place by June make it impossible to plan with confidence.
READ MORE: Royal Highland Show organisers optimistic 2021 event will go ahead
Instead, organisers will switch to developing a live Royal Highland Show event, bringing together the most-loved parts of the show - including livestock judging, show jumping and competitions.
It is envisaged that as much as possible of the traditional show will take place behind closed doors at the showground and be livestreamed across the globe.
Following Scottish Gov advice, this year’s Royal Highland Show will not go ahead as planned.
— Royal Highland Show (@ScotlandRHShow) March 3, 2021
We appreciate this is hugely disappointing, therefore we are working on an exciting RHS Live event which will feature the very best of the Show streamed live - watch this space! pic.twitter.com/isknGG8I2O
Commenting on the showcase, RHASS Chairman Bill Gray said: “This thrilling initiative will effectively be a Royal Highland Show Live event, giving audiences unique access to parts of the Show they have never experienced before.
READ MORE: Future of Scotland's iconic Highland Games 'bleak' as organisers forced to cancel events
"Imagine being side-by-side with the judge as they select the champion Clydesdale or soaring over the jumps on the back of a competing showjumper – with technology and the finest livestock all this is possible. Further details of the live event will be announced in the coming weeks.”
In the meantime, tickets purchased for the Royal Highland Show through Ticketmaster will receive an automatic ticket refund, including booking fee, and the promise of priority access to ticket sales for the 2022 Show.
The economic impact of another ‘no show’ year will be significant.
The Royal Highland Show contributes in excess of £55.7 million each year to the Scottish economy and is viewed as the Oscars of the agricultural sector, with hundreds of rosettes presented each year to the finest livestock.
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