ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOWCASE - RHASS MAGAZINE
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RHASS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOWCASE + RHS Supreme Champions 2021 – 7 page special + Annual Results + Sir William Young Award
Contents
3 Chairman’s Welcome
4-9 Royal Highland Showcase
10-11 Sir William Young Award 6
12 Fundraising
13-19 Supreme Showcase
Champions
20-21 Royal Highland
Education Trust
22-24 Directors &
Presidential Team 11
25 Annual Report Highlights
26-29 Technical Innovation
Awards
30 Members Update
31 Last Word
– Chief Executive
20
26 30
CONTACT DETAILS: RHASS Society magazine Written & produced by
is published by: The Royal Highland and Represent
Agricultural Society of Scotland, Royal Highland 57 Calton Road,
Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8NB Edinburgh EH8 8FJ
Tel: (0131) 335 6200 rhs@representcomms.co.uk
Email: info@rhass.org.uk
Web: www.rhass.org.uk FRONT COVER - Female Clydesdale
Champion, Roughlands Majestic Lady
Charity No. SC004561 Handler - Alana Johnston’
2 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021
DEAR MEMBERS
This time last year when The collaboration between all humility and emotion when I had
I wrote my article for the of the sector organisations of the pleasure of phoning him and
equivalent edition of Society our industry, and in particular travelling to Gretna to present
magazine, I was reflecting on the Scottish Government, was him with his award. He will be
the difficult emotions of not a testament to what can be sorely missed and I am sure you
being able to host a Royal achieved. What the Showcase will join me in extending our
Highland Show but looking also delivered of course was sincere sympathy to his family.
forward to 2021 to celebrate reconnecting our community.
So, as we move through the
our 180th Show. This has been the biggest ‘miss’
summer, the uncertainty
arising from the cancellation
In the interim, we set about surrounding the Covid
of agricultural shows around
Saving our Show and the pandemic still affects us and our
the country, and giving the
combination of your generosity ability to move forward but we
opportunity for exhibitors to
along with prudent mitigation will continue to ensure that the
get back into the showring
of our position allowed us to Society goes from strength to
and, more importantly, meet
do just that. strength, fulfilling its charitable
and greet each other (socially
remit and delivering for its
The cancellation of the 2021 distanced of course) was my
members and stakeholders.
Royal Highland Show was absolute highlight of the event.
another body blow but we were I was touched and humbled We look forward to welcoming
determined to deliver an event by the number of people who The Highland Region
for our members, exhibitors stopped me as I passed and Presidential Team who take
and the wider audience that thanked us for putting the up the mantle for 2022 – an
we hoped to attract with our Showcase on. excellent fit for the 200th
livestream broadcast format. anniversary of the first show
I was absolutely delighted for our
held by what was then the
And what an event the Royal President, Fiona Armstrong, and
Highland Society in 1822.
Highland Showcase was! her team of Vice Presidents from
Dumfries and Galloway who, I am sure that I speak for
It far exceeded our
after a year of hiatus, were able everyone when I say that we
expectations. That it was such
to shine a light on their region hope that next year will allow
a success was down to the
and all that it has to offer. The us to put on a fantastic 180th
colossal amount of work put
iconic wicker Beltie Bull created Royal Highland Show – I for one
in by the Board of Directors
by Trevor Leat was a standout cannot wait.
and the RHASS staff team
for the Showcase, it has just
in planning and delivering, Have a great summer whatever
headed off for a homecoming
alongside the support of all you are up to and I hope that
tour of Dumfries & Galloway and
the exhibitors, competitors, harvest and autumn farming
we hope that it will have another
stewards and judges and the meets your expectations!
starring role in the future.
production team who delivered
the livestream that proved to On a sad note, we had to say
be so popular. A special thanks goodbye to one of our Vice-
must go to our partners and Presidents, Alasdair Houston,
sponsors and as ever to our who was also the most recent
members for supporting this winner of our Sir William Young
innovative initiative. Award. I will always reflect on his Bill Gray, Chairman
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 3
CELEBRATING
THE BEST OF
FOOD, FARMING
AND RURAL LIFE
THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOWCASE
Seven days of livestreamed livestock In partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, with
judging, forestry, equestrian, sheep funding of up to £750,000 from the Scottish
Government, the event was livestreamed
shearing, industry talks and Scottish throughout the seven days with 252 of hours
produce championships was, by every of live content and a further thirty hours of on-
measure, an outstanding success demand programming produced, all watched
over by 270,000 people from across 97 countries –
Judging of over 3000 cattle, goats, sheep and
including Norway, Finland, Australia, New Zealand,
horses took place at the competitor-only event,
America, Argentina, the Philippines and beyond.
which was designed by the RHASS team to bridge
the gap between a no-Royal Highland show year With over two million engagements on social
in 2020 and the 180th Show, which will take media, the innovative concept was formulated,
place 23-26 June 2022. funded and delivered in less than 12 weeks.
4 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021
Thank you to our sponsors
Royal Bank Estates Ltd Scottish Land
of Scotland Galbraith & Estates
A M Phillip Graham's the Scottish Land
Agritech Ltd Family Dairy Commission
A. W. Jenkinson Grimme Scottish Leather
A.T. Best Handlers Group
Harbro
Aldi Scottish Organic
Hillhouse Quarry Producers
Alistair Young Group Ltd Association
Engineering Ltd JBA Seed Potatoes Scottish
Allflex Livestock Jimmy Warnock Woodlands Ltd
Intelligence
John Deere Sellars Agriculture
Andrew Black Aberdeen
Haulage & Storage John Fox (BSJ)
Krone UK Shearwell Data
Andrew Hamilton Ltd (DCT)
Coaching Lactalis UK
& Ireland Shepherd and
Archer Knight Wedderburn
Balcomo Stud Lantra
SoilEssentials Ltd
Baxters Lawrie &
Symington Squaring Circles
Bell Ingram SR Cattle Services
Lister
BlackfaceSheep SRUC
Lochleven Equine
Bogrow Farm The Stick &
Marks & Spencer
British Horse Cane Shop
Society (Scotland) McRobb Display
Townfields
British Show Moore Concrete Saddlers Ltd
Jumping Netherton Turcan Connell
Campbells Tractors
UK Sire Services
of Oxton NFU Mutual
United Auctions
Clydesdale Norbrook
Horse Society Laboratories Watson Seeds
Craigies Farm North West Wright Johnston
Auctions & Mackenzie
Crystalyx
Danny's Events Orkney Food Gift In kind
Catering & Drink Ltd. Sponsors
Davidson & Peter D Stirling Caulders Garden
Robertson Polmac Centre
East Lothian QC Sporthorses Lister
Food & Drink Quality Meat McRobb Display
EDFAS Scotland Ponsse
Elite Equestrian Raeburn Drilling & Porta - Yards
Services Geotechnical Ltd
RTS
Equikro Roma Ristorante
The Royal
Fendt Savills (Dick) School of
Food Standards Scotbeef Ltd. Veterinary Studies
Scotland Scotland Food Thomas Sherriff
Frazer Coogans & Drink Haddington
Friendship Scotpen Limited Watson Seeds
RHASS are grateful for the support
provided by the Scottish Government
HEAVY HORSE SINGLE CART TURNOUT CLASS AT THE SHOWCASE
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 5
THE QUEEN'S HIGHLAND BULL,
GUSGURLACH OF BALMORAL
“This funding sets us
up for the future as
we work to rebuild the
Society’s finances following
such a difficult period
Bill Gray explained the rationale for in our history.”
holding the event:
“Our members have supported us during
some really tough times and we wanted to
give something back, which we did by hosting
the Showcase. While it was not quite like being
there in the flesh, we did everything to take our About the legacy for future years, Bill added:
viewers as close as possible to the action, and
“This investment has allowed us to invest in the
the feedback has been tremendous.
most up-to-date streaming technology and bring
“Furthermore, we wanted to ensure RHASS on board the most experienced production
continued to support its charitable aims and the teams to do justice to what is the jewel in the
Showcase was an important way of achieving crown of the Royal Highland and Agricultural
this in lockdown by connecting and entertaining Society of Scotland.
our communities and, in the process, shining
“It is important to note however, that this
a light on our food producers, farmers and the
investment will bring benefits beyond this year’s
rural way of life.
event. With the funding, we’ve upgraded our IT
“When we reimagined a hybrid Royal Highland infrastructure and improved our website, and
Show, we couldn’t have believed it would have this will help ensure a bright future for the Royal
had such a monumental impact on so many Highland Show as well as attracting high calibre
people from right across the globe.” events to the Royal Highland Centre.
6 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021
SHEEP JUDGING TAKES PLACE
FILMING HIGHLAND PONY CLASSES AT THE SHOWCASE A COMPETITOR IN THE DAIRY YOUNG HANDLER CLASSES
L-R RHASS CHIEF EXEC ALAN LAIDLAW, RHASS PRESIDENT LADY FIONA
SHEEP SHEARING TAKES PLACE MACGREGOR, MAIRI GOUGEON MSP, RHASS CHAIRMAN BILL GRAY
HIGHLAND CATTLE JUDGING SHEEP JUDGING TAKES PLACE
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 7
“I couldn’t be prouder of
our team who have left no
stone unturned to make this
Royal Highland Showcase
Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive paid
tribute to the team on the ground who brought dream a reality"
the event from concept to reality. Alan said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team of Directors,
staff, contractors and volunteers who have left
no stone unturned to make this Royal Highland
Showcase dream a reality. It’s important to our
“I’m so pleased to have been able to see some of
rural community that we were able to come
the Royal Highland Showcase in person and see
together after such a long absence and it was
the hard work that went into preparing this event
an incredible opportunity to shine a light on our
and opening it up to a global audience.”
vibrant agricultural sector, not only for our regular
showgoers, but also to attract new visitors who Meanwhile, Paul Bush, OBE, VisitScotland's
have never experienced the Show before.” Director of Events added:
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs “The Royal Highland Showcase 2021 had innovation,
and Islands, attended the event and added her diversification and community spirit at its very heart
congratulations to the RHASS team. She said: this year. Offering a range of memorable online
experiences and insight for audiences tuning in, this
“The Royal Highland Showcase marks a step
year’s hybrid event was able to successfully pivot,
change for the Royal Highland Show and Scottish
providing a wonderful digital interpretation of one
agriculture. Through the new website and online
of Scotland’s much-loved major events.”
videos, people, farms and businesses across the
world were able to experience Scottish agriculture Highlights from Showcase can be accessed by
and food & drink. visiting www.royalhighlandshowcase.org
8 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021
the showcase in numbers
£750,000
FUNDING FROM THE
270,000
VIEWERS IN 7 DAYS
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FROM 97 COUNTRIES
30
HOURS OF ON-DEMAND
2 million
ENGAGEMENTS ON
PROGRAMMING SOCIAL MEDIA
252 12
WEEKS TO DEVELOP
HOURS OF LIVE CONTENT
AND IMPLEMENT
SHOWJUMPING AT THE SHOWCASE
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE LIVE STREAM
DOUGIE VIPOND AND SARAH MACK HOST
THE SHOWCASE MAGAZINE PROGRAMME HIGHLAND PONY & FOAL CLASS
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 9
SIR WILLIAM YOUNG AWARD
Sir William Young
Award Winner 2021
Alasdair Houston MBE, DL, FRAgS
The late Alasdair Houston MBE, DL, FRAgS, A well-respected businessman of wide learning
of Gretna House Farms in Gretna Green was and integrity who was celebrated in the hospitality
awarded this year’s prestigious Royal Highland and tourism sector, Alasdair's true passion was in
pedigree livestock breeding. As Chairman of the
and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) British Charolais Cattle Society, Alasdair modernised
Sir William Young Award for his exceptional its constitution and mission, driving forward their
contribution to the world of cattle breeding youth programme which will ensure the Charolais
and service to Scottish agriculture. Society thrives in years to come.
The award was presented to Alasdair at his farm
by RHASS Chairman Bill Gray shortly before his sad
passing earlier this summer. Bill Gray paid tribute to Alasdair:
Alasdair’s Gretnahouse herd is one of the most “Anyone in the livestock breeding world
influential in the national Charolais herdbook with who hears ‘Gretnahouse’ instantly
bulls to 25,000gns twice at national sales. Added to recognises it as a mark of quality, integrity
this outstanding achievement was the creation of an and the passionate production of top-
Aberdeen Angus herd in 2011, and in just a decade quality animals.
Gretnahouse Blacksmith is now one of the most “Alasdair has been the driving force
sought-after bulls in the breed. behind his fantastic herds, not to mention
In the early stages of the Simmental breed, the his contribution to the tourism and
Gretnahouse name echoed through sales rings, hospitality sectors. I had the privilege of
with Gretnahouse Supersonic gaining widespread presenting the Sir William Young award to
distinction, and even today his name is scattered Alasdair and he was genuinely humbled
throughout the herd book. to receive the accolade.
But 20 years ago, foot and mouth disease ripped “Our thoughts are very much with his wife
the heart out of the prefix, taking with it all the Lucy and their children Tara and Rafe.”
fine animals belonging to the herd. However, with
unmatched resolution and conviction of breeding
policies, the Gretnahouse name was re-established Alasdair will be remembered amongst a number of
through a new Charolais breeding programme by leading livestock breeders whose successes have
embryo transfer and purchasing some of the best previously been acknowledged by the presentation
genetics from fellow breeders. of the Sir William Young award.
10
10 | | RHASS
RHASS••SOCIETY
SOCIETYMAGAZINE
MAGAZINE••SUMMER
SUMMER2021
2021ALASDAIR WITH HIS CHAROLAIS HERD
ALASDAIR WITH RHASS CHAIRMAN BILL GRAY ALASDAIR PRESENTED WITH THEGray,
L-R Bill SIR WILLIAM YOUNG
Willie & Jimmy AWARD
Thomson
RHASS
RHASS••SOCIETY
SOCIETYMAGAZINE
MAGAZINE••SUMMER
SUMMER2021
2021 | | 11
11RHASS WEATHERS
THE STORM OF A
GLOBAL PANDEMIC
RHASS members and the wider community rallied to Save your Show
In the autumn of 2020, them, and others who value few weeks, offering a number
following the cancellation Scottish agriculture and its rural of ways to support RHASS’s
of the 2020 Royal Highland communities, opportunities to work. This will include a regular
Show, RHASS appealed to support our charitable work. monthly giving programme,
its membership for financial Like every other charitable which offers the chance to make
support. The Save your Show organisation, we want to involve small regular gifts which will
fundraising campaign marked our members, our industry help the Society to plan ahead
a new chapter in the Society’s stakeholders and our Show more easily.
history as we sought to visitors in our work going
We will offer our donors the
counter the impact of Covid forward and of course, with
chance to support an area
19 on our income and our more resources we can do
close to their heart, whether
financial future. more. It’s as simple as that.
this be our support for mental
It was clear that we needed to health work through RSABI and
find new sustainable income
LOOKING AHEAD Farmstrong, opportunities for
streams in order to secure the As we look towards the 200th young people to develop the
future of the Society and in anniversary of the very first skills and knowledge to thrive
particular, the Royal Highland Royal Highland Show in 2022, in an agricultural career, or a
Show, the loss of which is we are mindful more than sustainable future for farming,
unthinkable to all concerned. ever of the role the Society for example.
and Show have played in the
The response to the appeal was We are now looking forward
lives of our rural communities,
nothing short of amazing and to coming together with our
and the need to ensure that
through the generosity of our members very soon, to thank
this can continue for the next
members and their readiness to them for their generosity and
generation, and for the next
help, we raised almost £500,000. for standing by us. We eagerly
200 years.
This contribution was absolutely await the celebration of the
critical, together with Scottish The challenges facing farmers, 200th anniversary at next year’s
Government support, the their families and the industry Royal Highland Show and hope
development of new business have never been greater or more everyone will join us in the
activities at the Showground and complex but there are wonderful exciting year ahead!
a successful insurance claim, in opportunities also. We will mark
helping the Society to safeguard the milestone of 200 years of the For information about
the future of the Show. Royal Highland Show by offering how you can support
people the chance to get behind RHASS’s work, please
As a charitable organisation,
us and to help us to achieve email or call to speak with
it is part of our remit to
even greater charitable impact our fundraising team
raise voluntary income from
for our communities. fundraising@rhass.org.uk
our supporters, in order to
maximise our charitable impact We will be launching our new 0131 335 6214
– but also importantly to give fundraising activities in the next
12 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021SHOWCASE
CHAMPIONS
2021
BEEF CATTLE, DAIRY CATTLE,
HEAVY HORSE, LIGHT HORSE,
SHEEP & GOATS
OVERALL NATIVE BEEF CATTLE & CHAMPIONSHIP HEREFORD, MORALEE 1 REBEL KICKS KS R12
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 13BEEF CATTLE
OVERALL NATIVE BEEF CHAMPION OVERALL CONTINENTAL BEEF CHAMPION
HEREFORD BRITISH LIMOUSIN
T & D Harrison R Graham
Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 Grahams Precious
ABERDEEN ANGUS BEEF SHORTHORN BELTED GALLOWAY
Brailes Livestock Headlind Partners J&Z Kirk
Weeton Blackbird V519 Dunsyre Horatio Huntfield Twiggy
BRITISH BLONDE BRITISH BLUE BRITISH CHAROLAIS
Thor Atkinson Kevin Watret AJR Farms
Blackwater Maple Solway View Pearl Maerdy Morwr
BRITISH SIMMENTAL COMMERCIAL CATTLE CONTINENTAL BEEF
Gerald W Smith Wilson Peters YOUNG HANDLERS
Drumsleed Hivy 16 A’va Butt Amy Vance
14 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021GALLOWAY HIGHLAND LINCOLN RED
J & A Finlay Her Majesty The Queen Andrew Mylius
Blackcraig Dora May U450 Gusgurlach of Balmoral St Fort Yeovil
DAIRY CATTLE
NATIVE BEEF YOUNG HANDLERS SALERS
Mollie Keiley Rednock Estate
Rednock Panther Poll
OVERALL DAIRY CALF CHAMPIONSHIP COLOURED BREED DAIRY CALF DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP
HOLSTEIN DAIRY CALF Brian Weatherup Neil Sloan
G & G Templeton Parkend Dice Starlet Red
Blydale Chief Lynn
HEAVY HORSES
CLYDESDALES OVERALL HIGHLAND PONIES IN HAND OVERALL
CLYDESDALE MALE HIGHLAND PONIES IN HAND - MALES
Thomas Clark & Sons Sarah-Jane Forbes
Muirton Spirit Kincardine Uist
CLYDESDALE FEMALES HARNESS, GROOMING HIGHLAND PONIES IN
Iain D. Johnston AND DECORATION HAND - FEMALES
Roughlands Majestic Lady Benny Duncan Mrs Susan P Wardrop
Querina of Carlung
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 15HIGHLAND PONY UNDER SADDLE MINIATURE SHETLAND PONIES RIDDEN CLYDESDALE
Gillian McMurray Chesterwood Stud Catherine Hodge
Trailtrow Tearlach Milday Ferresamo Doura Oakley
Rider - Kirstin McMurray Handler - Matthew Davidson
LIGHT HORSES
STANDARD SHETLAND PONIES ANGLO-ARABS & PART
H.P.Sleigh & Son BRED ARABS IN HAND
Wells Dancing Brave Charlie Cousens
Colonel Mustard
PONY BREEDING CLASSES RIDDEN COB COLOURED HORSES AND
Charlie Cousens Rosamund Lane PONIES IN HAND
Colonel Mustard Pudding Lane Miss J Cameron
Rider - Sophie Lane-Keery Peter Pan
COLOURED HORSES AND HUNTERS IN HAND JUNIOR MOUNTAIN AND
PONIES UNDER SADDLE Sandra Auld MOORLAND RIDDEN PONY
Miss Danielle Radford Watervalley Bobbies Girl Tom Brash
Rhyfel Saxon Prince Wellbank Gabriel
Rider - Lexi Brash
16 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021LADIES SIDE SADDLE HORSE LEAD REIN OF HUNTER TYPE AND MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND
Michelle Feeney FIRST PONY OF SHOW HUNTER TYPE LEAD REIN & FIRST RIDDEN
Ballyhoulihan Rags to Riches Julie Templeton Lynn Robertson
Rider - Emma Dewhurst Littlebriars Horatio Thistledown Skyfall
Rider - Harriert Walsh-White 'Rider - Jensen Anderson
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND
PONIES IN HAND PONIES UNDER SADDLE WORKING HUNTER PONIES
Messers Smith Kirsty Aird Jenny Deary
Bracklinn Mabel Nicholwalls Black Jack Malby Mahyong
Rider - Jessica Burdess
NURSERY STAKES CHAMPION PRIVATE DRIVING RIDDEN HUNTERS
Karen Watson Richard LN Lanni Magnus Nicholson
Birkinbrook Cello Harold & Manfred Remember Rossmore
Rider - Aaliyah Watson Rider - Kate Nicholson
RIDDEN PART BRED RIDING HORSES SHOW HUNTER PONIES
Caitlin Galbraith Isla Miller Chrissy Knipe
Roseberry High Flyer JST Silvermist Bronheulog Gold Dust
Rider - Susy Edwards Rider - Samantha Taylor
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 17SHOW PONIES SHOW PONY LEAD REIN SPORT HORSES IN HAND
Caitlin Galbraith & FIRST RIDDEN Fenston Stud
Field Aston Diamanté Kim Wilson Toners Burnished Unakite
Rider - Ella Anderson Litton Perfection
Rider - Charlotte Wilson
THE PRICE FAMILY SUPREME IN WORKING HUNTER PONIES WORKING HUNTER
HAND CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFER Janet Cowie Anna Sloan
Charlie Cousens TGF Lucy Dalton P
Colonel Mustard Rider - Alice Cowie
SHEEP
MV ACCREDITED INTERBREED NON MV INTERBREED CHAMPION
CHAMPION CHAROLLAIS BLUEFACED LEICESTER
Gregor & Bruce Ingram - CROSSING TYPE
Andrew McQuistin
BELTEX BLACKFACE BLEU DU MAINE
Alan Miller Stuart Heads, Aitkenhead farm Laine Daff
BLUEFACED LEICESTER - BORDER LEICESTER BRITISH BERRICHON
TRADITIONAL TYPE Mary Laidlaw, Drennans Ewan Burgess
Kate Smith, Low Arkland
18 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021BLUE TEXEL COMMERCIAL SHEEP HAMPSHIRE DOWN
Kevin Watret Andrew Morton J&R McFarlane
HEBRIDEAN MV ACCREDITED SHEEP NON MV YOUNG HANDLERS
Dr John Mosley, Bryland Hebrideans YOUNG HANDLERS Joanna Dale
Finlay Shone
NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT RYELAND SHETLAND
J Runciman & Sons Raymond Aitken Denise Playfair, Kaimknowe Flock
SUFFOLK TEXEL ZWARTBLES
The Hiddleston Family Robert Wilson Neil Millar
GOATS
BOER GOATS GOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
M & M Ross Webster & Smith
Balmedie Garva Guilden Erin
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 19FROM AVENUE Q
TO SHOWCASE
– RHET’S DISCOVERY
CENTRE GOES ONLINE!
A RANGE OF INTERACTIVE ONLINE ACTIVITIES WERE HOSTED BY RHET THIS YEAR
The Royal Highland Education Trust was proud to
highlight its education programme at this year’s
Royal Highland Showcase.
Typically on Avenue Q at the Royal Highland
Showground, the charity moved online this year
after weeks of diligent planning from a team of
dedicated volunteers and staff.
They were given a prime location in the main
menu of Showcase. And as a result, the new online
Discovery Centre was a huge success!
A RHET GROUP FROM 2019
Thousands of people clicked through to the
Discovery Centre, where they uncovered
information on topics like arable, beef, dairy, food,
land-use, machinery, sheep, and the countryside.
A section was also dedicated to RHET’s volunteers
and featuring videos created by each RHET area
featuring local volunteers.
RHET ran a very well attended free teacher webinar
on the Thursday of Showcase week, sponsored by
SRUC, which was a success. Feedback gathered
so far is that it was very valuable for all attendees,
urging plans for similar events in the future. GOATS AT THE 2019 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW
20 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021YEAR OF BEEF
LAUNCHED
RHET and the Royal Northern Countryside
Initiative (RNCI), working in collaboration
with QMS, are delighted to launch their
Year of Beef for the academic year 2021/22.
From September 2021 through to June
2022, the program will tell the story of beef
production in Scotland. From the rugged
hills of the Highlands and Islands to the lush
grass fields of the lowlands, beef production
is woven into Scotland’s history.
The Year of Beef collaborative will develop
a range of resources for use in schools. It PRE-PANDEMIC - PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
ON A RHET ORGANISED FARM VISIT
will start with the cow and calf story and
cover sustainability, grass, careers, butchery,
technology, and much more over the
duration of the academic year.
LOCAL RECIPE BOOK
VISIT THE RHET WEBSITE TO FIND
IS A BEST SELLER
OUT MORE: www.rhet.org.uk Ann Redpath, a volunteer in the Scottish
Borders, created a recipe book at the start
of the lockdown last year and has been busy
promoting and selling the book ever since!
GET INVOLVED IN THE Lockdown in Lambing has been an
enormous hit and has sold copies nonstop
SUMMER CHALLENGE since it launched. So far, Ann has raised
an astounding £17,000, which she has
This summer, RHET encourages 5-12-year- generously shared between RHET and the
olds to have a go at some food, farming, Borders General Hospital.
and countryside challenges as they launch Books cost £10 (+£2 P&P) and are
the first-ever Summer Challenge. still available to order via emailing:
Anyone can take part, and you have the lockdownrecipebook@gmail.com
whole of the summer holidays to get
involved. There is a range of different
activities from various organisations for you
to try, together with a tick sheet to record
what you do as you go along.
TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT:
www.wakelet.com/@RHETSummerChallenge
BAKING IS AN ELEMENT OF THE SUMMER CHALLENGE VOLUNTEER ANN REDPATH
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 212021-2022 DIRECTORS & PRESIDENTIAL TEAM RHASS Directors & Officials 2021-22 Back row: Mark Currie, Stuart Rae, Philip Benzie, Bruce Lang, James Porter, John Seed, Martin MacDonald, William Ritch, Ashley Spence Fourth Row: Jackie McCreery, Gordon Sutherland, Alex Bankier, Kay Adam, Matthew Currie, Andrew Rennie, Andrew Hornall, Donald Harvey, Sandy Wilkie, Barclay Hamilton, Alison Logan Third row: Ian Beck, Tom Tennant, Anne Logan, William Robb (Director 2019-2021), Martin Hall, Will Downie, Dennis Bridgeford, Heather Wildman, William Hamilton, Louise Elder, Susan Lawrie Second row: Marie Livingstone, Robbie Newlands, Keith Campbell, Alan Laidlaw, Kenny Matheson (Director 2006-2021), Gordon Gray, Les Davidson, Jim Hastings, Bill Arnot, David Alexander Front row: Jim C Warnock, John Sinclair, James Logan, Bill Gray, Ewan Macdonald, Andrew Shepherd, Isobel McCallum, Sandy Cumming, Rod MacKenzie, Rev. Alex Cairns (Chaplain – 2019-2021) RHASS PRESIDENTIAL TEAM 2021/2022 (SEE PAGE 24) 22 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021
2021-2022 DIRECTORS & PRESIDENTIAL TEAM
President: DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Extraordinary Directors
Ewan Macdonald 2018-2022 Heather M Wildman Year one:
Vice Presidents: 2019-2023 Jim Hastings Alistair Kenneth Sutherland
Andrew Shepherd 2020-2024 Aylett Roan Philip Benzie
Rod MacKenzie 2021-2025 Ian Beck Kay J A Adam
James C Warnock
Isobel McCallum
HIGHLAND Jacqueline McCreery
Sandy Cumming
2018-2022 William M Downie Thomas Tennant
Chaplain
2019-2023 Robbie Newlands Alexander Bankier
tbc
Matthew Currie
2020-2024 Martin MacDonald
Chairman
2021-2025 Dennis Bridgeford Extraordinary Director representing
William G Gray
the British Agricultural and Garden
Chairman Designate Machinery Association (BAGMA):
PERTH
James C Warnock Alasdair Straker
2018-2022 William F Arnot
Honorary Secretary Extraordinary Director
2019-2023 Fiona Roebuck
representing the Agricultural
James Logan
2020-2024 Susan Lawrie Engineers’ Association (AEA):
Honorary Treasurer Les Davidson
2021-2025 D Bruce Lang
John G Sinclair Honorary Directors & Advisors
Honorary Vice President STIRLING Julian Pace
Martin Hall 2018-2022 John Owen tbc
2019-2023 Anne Logan
Ordinary Directors Management Team
2020-2024 Andrew Hornall
Chief Executive
2021-2025 Gordon Sutherland Alan Laidlaw
ABERDEEN
RHET Executive Officer
2018-2022 Sarah Mackie
STRATHCLYDE Katrina Barclay
2019-2023 Christo Shepherd Director of Operations
2018-2022 Bryce Sloan
2020-2024 Eric A Mutch Mark Currie
2019-2023 Alexander C Wilkie
2021-2025 Andrew Rennie Finance Manager
2020-2024 David CS Alexander Stuart Rae
2021-2025 Keith Campbell Fundraising & Partnerships Manager
LOTHIAN
tbc
2018-2022 John G Sinclair
Extraordinary Area Directors (8): Society Secretary
2019-2023 Louise Elder Marie Livingstone
Aberdeen William Ritch
2020-2024 William G Gray
Lothian Barclay Hamilton Auditors
2021-2025 James Logan
Borders William Hamilton Azets, Exchange Place, 3 Semple
Dumfries Ashley Spence Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BL
BORDERS
& Galloway Legal Advisors
2018-2022 John Seed Shepherd & Wedderburn, 1
Highland Peter Moss
2019-2023 Gordon Gray Exchange Crescent, Conference
Perth James Porter Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8UL
2020-2024 Rob Livesey
Stirling Alison Logan Public Relations Officers
2021-2025 Neil Thomson
Strathclyde Donald Harvey Represent, 57 Calton Road,
Edinburgh, EH8 8FJ
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 232021-2022 DIRECTORS & PRESIDENTIAL TEAM
RHASS Presidential Team 2021/2022
Left to right: Sandy Cumming CBE, Andrew Shepherd, Ewan Macdonald, Isobel McCallum, Rod MacKenzie
Ewan Macdonald – PRESIDENT Isobel McCallum – VICE PRESIDENT
Ewan farms, along with his brother, on the Isobel is well known to RHASS, having served as a
Black Isle and Wester Ross. They have a mixed Director for the Highland region in 2015. She runs
farm, with beef, sheep and cereals. Alongside a mixed arable and stock farm on the Black Isle,
this, they have renewable projects, including a including a pedigree North Country Cheviot flock.
Hydro Scheme and holiday lets, and have also Closely involved with the Highlands' agricultural
been involved in property development in the community for over 40 years, Isobel served as the
local area. Black Isle Farmers Society’s first woman president
in 2009. A former Convener of Highland Council
Ewan Macdonald was Vice President of the
and local councillor for many years, Isobel is well
RHASS Highland region, ten years on the Board
acquainted with public life as a long-standing
of the Highland Hospice and is currently Vice
representative for the Highlands.
Chairman of, and for the last twenty years
actively involved with, Dingwall Auction Mart. Andrew Shepherd – VICE PRESIDENT
The family farming business was started in the Andrew farms in Moray, running a herd of
1920’s by his grandfather, Angus Macdonald pedigree Aberdeen Angus. He is better known as
and has evolved over the years to the business a Chartered Accountant with a number of Board
it is today. roles, including with the quality meat processor
Scotbeef Ltd and from September 2021 Chairman
His late father, Angus S Macdonald, CBE, was of leading property consultants Galbraith.
very involved as a Director, Vice President and
President in RHASS. Sandy Cumming CBE – VICE PRESIDENT
Sandy grew up on an upland farm in Strathconon,
Rod MacKenzie – VICE PRESIDENT
Ross and Cromarty. He studied Agricultural
Rod Mackenzie, a crofter born and bred, is a well- Economics at Edinburgh University, before
known figure in the north of Scotland farming spending over 35 years in economic and
and crofting communities. His working life started community development, working for Highlands
as a livestock auctioneer in Dingwall and then and Islands Enterprise where he was Chief
followed a successful career working in auction Executive for a decade. He is a former member of
marts throughout the Highlands and Islands and the Accounts Commission, former Board Member
Aberdeenshire. He was secretary and organiser and Chair of the Cromarty Firth Port Authority,
of Black Isle Show for 14 years from 2005 – 2019, former Trustee of the Robertson Trust. He is
and Convener and Commissioner of the Crofting currently Chair of Scotland’s Rural College, having
Commission from 2017 until recently. served on the SAC/SRUC Board since 2011.
24 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE CHARITY
£1.8m £1.4m £0.5m
INTERIM INSURANCE INCOME FROM INCOME FROM
PAYMENT (BUSINESS RHASS, LAND ASSETS, ROYAL HIGHLAND
INTERRUPTION) MEMBERSHIP CENTRE EVENTS
& INVESTMENTS
£0.5m £0.5m £0.3m
DONATIONS GOVERNMENT SHOW
GRANTS & SUPPORT SPONSORSHIP
TOTAL INCOME - £5M
CHARITABLE REMIT
FULFILMENT OF OUR CHARITABLE PURPOSES, ENSURING
THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CHARITY
INVESTMENT AWARDS OPERATIONAL
IN SOCIETY & GRANTS EXPENSES
TOTAL EXPENDITURE - £5.3M
A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITURE IS
INCLUDED IN THE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 25TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARDS
RHASS ANNOUNCE 2021
TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society
of Scotland (RHASS) has announced the 2021
CALIBRATE INC LTD - Calibrate Inc Ltd
winners of the Technical Innovation Awards,
earned Gold for their Heatpump Heat/Chill
with one Gold, six Silver and five Certificates of
6MW System. The Heatpump Grain Drying
Commendations being awarded.
System means users can enjoy a ‘Hands Off’
The awards, RHASS’s most longstanding industry Heatpump solution. The 6mW heat pump
accolade, showcase and reward innovation and system manages a revolutionary Grain
development within the agricultural sector and Drying process. A bespoke controller can
are a highly respected award for manufacturers, operate the grain dryer via a cloud-based
distributers, providers and inventors. system enabling Calibrate to monitor all
aspects of the process and tariff generation
This year, applicants were once again invited to
meters online.
enter online with judging taking place virtually.
Winners were featured as part of the Royal
Highland Showcase in partnership with the Royal
Bank of Scotland, with a formal award ceremony
planned for the 2022 Royal Highland Show.
Gold awards are presented to previous Silver
award winners for continuous outstanding merit.
KUBOTA UK - Earning another Silver this
year is Kubota UK for their M7003 Premium
KVT tractor and the BV Series TIM round
baler. Kubota's TIM (Tractor Implement
Management) is a cross-product and cross-
manufacturer ISOBUS solution for the
agricultural machinery industry, whereby
the implement is able to control certain
tractor functions. The TIM system enables
the implement to automatically control
GRAINTEK UK LTD - Graintek UK Ltd were
certain functions of the tractor to optimise
awarded Silver for their Baby Portable Grain
the quality and efficiency of the overall
Dryer. Designed to be the smallest portable
system. Kubota is the first manufacturer to
grain dryer that can dry by using continuous
receive the renowned AEF certification for
or batch mode with the flick of a switch,
a tractor/implement combination. The TIM
uniquely it can run from a 16a single phase
system offers decisive advantages, such as
supply using plc and inverter technology.
reduced driver fatigue, at the same time
The design uses a single leg elevator running
increasing comfort and efficiency.
in continuous mode to fill and dry at the
same time, cutting the cost of power and
equipment required. It is a 50% full scale size
of its 9 tph bigger brother.
26 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARDS
MASSEY FERGUSON - Massey Ferguson SMALL ROBOT COMPANY - Presented
also impressed the judges, winning Silver with a Silver award this year also was Small
for their MF 8S Tractor. Built from a blank Robot Company for their End to End per
canvas using a ‘Voice of the Customer’ Plant Farming. This ground-breaking
study, this was used to create something multi-robot's end-to-capabilities were
completely new. Key feedback underlined demonstrated to deliver per plant weeding,
the need for comfort, ease of use, value for which is a world first. ‘End-to-end’ means
money, excellent reliability, intuitive and that one robot (‘Tom’) scans fields for weeds,
convenient controls, efficiency transmitting which are processed and detected by Wilma,
maximum power to the ground, 100% an artificial intelligence Advice Engine,
connectivity and the ability to work with devising a weed treatment plan. Then a
the most demanding implements. The second robot (‘Dick’) is activated to go to the
Dyna E-Power, is the ultimate dual clutch very same spot, ID the weed, and kill it.
technology, stepless shifting raising This new model gives Per Plant precision.
comfort, maximum power to the ground Each plant can be farmed individually, with
due to the mechanical conception and the minimal waste. Benefits include cutting
best fuel efficiency in its class. chemicals and emissions by up to 95%,
delivery of Net Zero targets, and increasing
yields by up to 20 tonnes per hectare for
wheat, from the current UK average of 8.5.
5|AGRI - Earning a Commendation is
5|Agri for their Agri Ignite, a farm business
software for farmers and agricultural
consultants. The cloud-based software
programme enables farmers and their
consultants to make decisions based on
real time data. The system is fully integrated
SAFE FORESTRY BY SAFE WORKSITE with Xero accounting software, undertakes
- Safe Forestry by Safe Worksite also earned livestock movements for BCMS and ScotEID
a Silver this year for their Safe Forestry and records medicine compliance. Agri-Ignite
App, an app supported by a desktop was amended to provide an online IACS
system designed to show competence and portal. Farmers can log in and view maps of
compliance whilst at work in the forestry their crops, confirm their livestock numbers,
industry. The app focusses on Health and agree deductions and the various schemes
Safety, ensuring that all risk assessments that they are participating in.
and documentation such as training and
maintenance of equipment is in one place
and up to date. The app is based on industry
best practice and customisable to the tasks
undertaken. There are plans to roll this out
to the agricultural industry next.
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 27TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARDS
MCHALE - Also awarded a Commendation SMARTRURAL - Another Commendation
was McHale for their Orbital Bale Wrapper. was earned by SmartRural for the Smart Rural
It is unique in that it encompasses the App. Their work to date has clearly shown
proven Vertical Wrapping ring carried over that there is considerable value derived from
from the very successful McHale Fusion but the use of readily available sensors across
transforms it into a high speed and high different farm types, to generate data that
end trailed wrapping machine. With the helps the farmer work smarter; make their
ability to pick up one bale whilst wrapping businesses more profitable & sustainable; and
another and carry on down the field to the aid them on the road to net zero.
next bale, it offers a very fast and efficient
method of bale wrapping. The rear wrapper
roller automatically adjusts to meet the
bale size implemented through the control UBCO BIKES UK LTD - Finally, UBCO
box meaning that the band of film is always Bikes UK Ltd also received a Commendation
placed on the centre of the bale, regardless for their UBCO 2x2. The UBCO Adventure
of bale size. 2X2 is the world’s first Electrically Powered
2wd Utility Bike built specifically with
agricultural users in mind. Its unique design
comprises of encased motors within both
wheels powered by 3.1kW battery. It has no
chain or belt to be damaged in our working
environments and is a low maintenance
machine. Designed and engineered in New
Zealand, the machine was initially made to
offer a safe, sustainable alternative to farm
transport replacing more dangerous options
powered by internal combustion engines.
SPREAD-A-BALE - Spread-a-Bale were
also presented with a Commendation for
their Spread-a-Bale balers, the HD and
XL. The HD works for hard, high density
round and rectangular bales and the XL for
two round bales or extra long rectangular
bales. Each provides real straw spreading
solutions to issues emerging from the latest
trend towards more ergonomically efficient
high density baling machines and longer
rectangular bales. Overall, the options
contribute to Spread-a-Bale enabling farmers
to make further reductions in spreading time
RHASS Chief Steward of Technical Innovation,
and labour, and straw savings of between
Christo Shepherd said:
30% to 50%.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the
winning entries of the Technical Innovation Awards
this year. This year’s entries were exciting examples
of the innovative work going on within the agri-tech
industry, and especially inspiring were the number
of software solutions entered this year.
“The benefits to winning for businesses and brands
are significant, providing a respected mark of
quality for customers to look out for. After such a
challenging year, it is heartening to see such quality
entries come in once again.”
28 | RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARDS
CASE STUDY – SAFE FORESTRY BY SAFE WORKSITE
Safe Forestry by Safe Worksite ongoing CPD, machinery checks How did you find the process
earned a Silver this year for and any other site activities that of applying for the Technical
their Safe Forestry App, an app will prove the professionalism Innovation Awards?
supported by a desktop system of the individuals involved. This Straight forward and easy to do.
designed to show competence is all backed up by photographic
and compliance whilst at work evidence and logbook entries. What are the plans for the
in the forestry industry. An app on the operator’s phone future of the business?
is all that is needed. The future plans are to grow
We spoke to Calum Duffy,
Director of Safe Forestry, to find within the forestry sector. As
How does it feel to win a RHASS
out how their app is changing the well as growth in that industry,
Technical Innovation Award?
industry for the better and what it we will be replicating the Safe
We at Safe Forestry by Safe Forestry concept for other
means to win a Silver award.
Worksite are honoured to have industries. The next industry that
Tell us more about your been awarded a Silver Technical we are targeting is Agriculture.
company Innovation Award by the Royal For this we will be partnering
Highland and Agricultural Society with Agri Ignite, the software
Safe Forestry aims to make
of Scotland for our health and developed by 5|Agri.
the forestry industry safer for
safety app. This award recognises
those who work there. This
the innovative approach we have Why do you think innovation is
also includes being able to
taken to support competence important for the industry?
prove professional competence
and compliance within the Innovation challenges us to
and continuous professional
forestry industry. grow as a business within our
development of those operating
in the forests and those who This award means a lot to us. It industry, innovation is driving us
manage them. is validation that what we are to always do better and be more
doing is innovative and keeping efficient. Without innovation, the
What led you to develop your people safer at work. industry could be left behind.
entry and how is it helping the
industry? How do you think winning What would you say to
will make a difference to your someone interested in applying
We were challenged by the Health
business? for an award?
and Safety Executive during a site
visit in February 2019 to improve This will increase awareness of It was such an easy process, why
the way we prove the competence our product within the forestry not put forward your innovative
of our operators. sector in Scotland. ideas, it could be you winning
next year!
Like most other contractors at
this point, we were relying on
certification and word of mouth
for an operators’ skill level. The
HSE visit soon pointed out that
wasn’t enough if it were to “all
go wrong… So this is where the
concept of Safe Forestry was
born.
After 2 years of field testing by
our operators and several other
contractors the system now
incorporates the fundamentals
required to work towards
compliance.
Safe Forestry offers managers,
contractors and operators
an operator friendly way of
recording their competence,
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 29MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIETY
THE NEW RHASS MEMBERS PAVILION
AN UPDATE FOR OUR MEMBERS
As valued members and the lifeblood of RHASS, To help us with our move to a fully digital system,
your continued support throughout the past two please make sure we have your current email
years has been invaluable to the Society. address by emailing membership@rhass.org.uk,
quoting your name, your address including postcode
We hope that many of you were able to enjoy the Royal
and membership number. Each member will need
Highland Showcase online (along with over 270,000
to have an individual email address as this will be
others!) and we look forward to the return of some
required to access the portal. If you haven't received
normality and a live Royal Highland Show in 2022.
any email communications from us recently then it's
unlikely we hold a current email address for you.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
We realise that email isn’t necessarily everyone’s
The outbreak of the pandemic led the Board to preferred means of communication, but in order to
postpone an intended increase to life and term future-proof our systems and to help us keep costs
membership fees for the last two years. The Board down so we can devote as much money as possible
does intend to bring forward a proposal to raise to fulfilling our charitable remit, we will need
life and term fees in line with the adult annual fees, individual email addresses for all members. We are
with the increases coming into force in January 2023, happy to be of assistance during this period to aid
subject to approval at the AGM. an easy transition to the new platform.
This will give current and prospective members time
to consider their options before the price increase. If THE ROYAL HIGHLAND
either upgrading or gifting membership is something
you’ve been considering for a while, now is the time
SHOW 2022 TICKETS
to do it while fees remain at pre-2020 prices. Anticipation is high for a return to normality, and
Payment plans are available. If you would like to after a two year gap since the record-breaking
discuss options, please contact the Membership 2019 Show, we are looking forward to once again
Department by emailing membership@rhass.org.uk. welcoming members, competitors and the general
public safely through the gates at Ingliston next year
to celebrate the bicentenary of the very first Royal
RHASS DIGITAL DRIVE Highland Show.
CONTINUES Continuing the work started in 2020 and 2021 around
As highlighted in the Autumn 2020 edition of Society Covid-19 capacities, we will ask members to book
Magazine, during the Covid 19 pandemic we have for each day that you plan to attend, giving you the
been investing in our membership systems to improve option to select the days you will be in attendance,
communications and administration by upgrading to and book any other guest tickets, parking, children’s
a fully digital system, and we hope to launch our new tickets etc through the membership portal. You will
members’ portal in late 2021. The portal will allow receive notification of when these will be available to
members to access information about the Society book and how to use the new digital tickets. Please
and their membership, update their personal details, ensure we have your email address so we can keep
manage their membership and more. postal costs to a minimum.
30
30 | | RHASS
RHASS••SOCIETY
SOCIETYMAGAZINE
MAGAZINE••SUMMER
SUMMER2021
2021THE LAST WORD
"
Post Covid, our sector,
our landscapes and
relationships with the
great outdoors and food
will change forever
"
I am delighted that we have put together a Society membership organisation in Scotland, has put us in
magazine for you that includes some real progress a great position to be engaged with our members, be
for the Society. It shows what a successful and active in future discussions and involved in shaping
important Showcase we had in June and it also the landscape as it develops in front of us. We have
points towards a future where Covid has less of the COP26 conference ahead and I strongly believe
an impact on us, our members and the sector as a that there has never been a greater opportunity, or
whole. Here is to increased “normality” and greater a more important time, to celebrate, promote and
opportunities for RHASS to deliver its charitable develop all that RHASS, RHS and our sector has to
activities through the things we know you value as offer. Rural Scotland and its businesses, especially
members, namely RHET, the Royal Highland Show farmers and land managers, must shape the future
and supporting all of rural Scotland. and be recognised as part of the solution. If we don’t,
we will be done unto, and that’s not a feeling that
The last year has been nothing short of horrendous
ever sparks joy or success.
for so many people and organisations. We will all
share stories of our difficulties and challenges. But I hope that we are able to welcome you in the
behind that there are stories of success and change coming months to Ingliston for events and elsewhere
during adversity. We need to recognise those too, to come together. The strength of RHASS as an
while being supportive of those who have scars and organisation has always been its people, members,
wounds from the pandemic. “It’s ok to not be ok” is directors and our great staff team and I hope that
a phrase used a lot now. It means different things to we are all in the mood to engage in creating a highly
different people. But I believe that post Covid, our successful sector for the future. In recognising our
sector, our landscapes and relationships with the people, I want to pay credit to all the volunteers who
great outdoors and food will change forever. If you have given so much through the pandemic, whether
take that and the impact of the recent IPCC report on it’s on the board or through supporting RHET
climate change into account, it signals that change is activities across the country. Remember, as a Society
happening to us and around us at a rate many of us those who get the most out of it are often those who
will find uncomfortable put their hands up to be involved, in any number
of ways. If you are interested, drop me a note. And
RHASS is over 230 years old and stands as a
I remind you, as Bill Gray has done often, that we
testament to how the agri sector is resilient and
always need new stewards, helpers and Directors,
responsive to change, and I hope that as “normality”
whether for a 1-year period or to join the board
returns, we are able to come together as members,
longer term. If this interests you, speak to me or one
share ideas, rediscover social bonds lost in the last
of the Director team listed on page 22.
18 months and replenish our reserves. That’s in a
social and mental way. We have been doing exactly
that in a business and financial manner for the last
few months - the impact of our business interruption
insurance pay-out in March and government
support for the Showcase, and the Society as a key Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 | 31DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AT RBS RODDY MACLEAN WITH
OVERALL CONTINENTAL BEEF CHAMPION BRITISH LIMOUSIN
RHASS • SOCIETY MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2020 | 32You can also read
