The Royal Highland Show is returning this year, to Ingliston from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 June, for the first full show since 2019. This year is also particularly significant, as it marks 200-years since the show’s inception in 1822.
The four-day event, which is also the biggest outdoor event in Scotland, will offer something for everyone. With its big wheel, newly redesigned food and drink hall, machinery exhibitions, livestock shows, farrier and forestry displays, shopping and more.
The show’s chairman Bill Gray said: “To be able to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that first Show is really special – not just for us as directors, staff and members of the Society, but also for the wider communities that have missed the opportunity to get out and about and meet one other.”
So what’s new for 2022?
This year, all tickets (including car parking) must be booked in advance. Kids under 15 go free, when accompanied by a paying adult, however these must also be booked in advance.
Additions to the competition rings include two new sheep classes for Valais Blacknose and Dutch Spotted sheep; plus the new Maxi Cob of the Year Championship, Mountain & Moorland Junior 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year, and HOYS qualifier classes, for equestrians.
To celebrate the show’s bicentenary, a range of special commemorative rosettes, prize cards, sashes and gold-finished medals will be awarded this year. The magnificent Fletcher McDiarmid Trophy will also return this year to be presented to the Overall Beef Champion.
The food hall has also been redesigned – ‘Scotland’s Larder’ is its new title – offering visitors the best Scottish produce in an enhanced format. The Larder will host the Scottish Championships, while the 2021 Scottish Championship winners of Dairy, Bread and Honey products will provide a lunch menu in the Champions Corner.
Entertainment
Try out the ‘Ingliston Eye’, in the Lifestyle Village, to see the showground from above, or visit The Big Top on the showground’s west side, for an evening concert.
The dedicated Kids Zone, in the Countryside Area, will provide children with an interactive experience where they can learn about the show’s history. There will also be activities such as a nature trail, outdoor play equipment, and John Deere mini tractors.
Getting to the show
Travel is available either via tram or, to get dropped off at the gates, use the bus service. If visitors are travelling by car, a parking ticket must be bought in advance. For more travel and general show information, visit royalhighlandshow.org.