Day: June 20, 2024

Take care of your summer garden with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre offers free summer plant care workshops

As the days grow longer and brighter with the start of summer drawing closer, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardeners along to its Edinburgh store for a series of free Grow How sessions focused on caring for summer plants.

The live demonstrations will take place on the first Saturday and every Wednesday throughout the month of July, at 10.30am and 3.30pm. The sessions are led by Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store who will be on hand to answer any questions from customers.

July’s Grow How session will cover how to choose and incorporate vibrant seasonal flowering herbaceous plants, such as Delphinium and Fuchsia, into summer gardens, to create a stunning display.

Customers will also receive practical advice on maintaining flourishing borders and flowerpots throughout the summer season, along with sustainable flower watering techniques, like substituting the garden hose with a watering can to reduce water usage.

Dobbies’ Buyer, Nigel Lawton, explains the importance of watering for keeping your flower displays blooming this summer.

He said “One of the essential jobs for summer is ensuring your garden gets a good feed with proper hydration. This is especially important during periods of hot weather or if you’re planning a long summer holiday. It’s a good idea to remember to give beds, borders and planters a good water.

“Any water that has been collected in water butts earlier in the year can be used during dry spells to water your plants, which is actually better for your garden as rainwater has none of the chemicals that water from the mains has and its better for the environment.

“There is now more opportunity than ever before for customers to drop into the Edinburgh store to attend a Grow How session. We are looking forward to welcoming gardeners of all abilities to gain valuable advice and top tips from our colleagues into caring for summer plants.”

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions are fun and informal 10–15-minute demonstrations, designed to be interactive and accessible for gardeners of all ages and abilities.

For more information about Dobbies’ Grow How sessions in the Edinburgh store and the summer events, such as Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition, and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’, gives customers the chance to relax and enjoy a traditional or luxury Afternoon Tea experience, plus a demo and Q&A, before getting to create their own planter (worth £30) to take home.

Inspired by summer holidays, the tropical plants featured have been selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show judge and Dobbies Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, to bring a pop of summer colour to the garden. This experience is priced at £40 and takes place on Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 July.

Miller Homes launches Edgelaw View housing development

Leading UK homebuilder, Miller Homes is launching a brand-new development in Edinburgh this Saturday (22 June), bringing 152 homes, including 39 affordable, to a popular residential area just south of the bustling capital.

Edgelaw View will comprise a mix of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and three and four-bedroom family homes, providing buyers of all ages and stages in Edinburgh with plenty of choice when it comes to new build homes. The development follows the success of Edgelaw, Miller Homes’ 2019 development in the area, and aims to meet the demand for energy efficient homes within easy reach of Edinburgh.

In a move towards helping buyers live sustainably and reduce energy costs, each Miller home at the new Edgelaw View development will come with solar panels and the development will feature electric vehicle charging points.

Speaking about the upcoming launch, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, Neil Gaffney said: “We’re excited to start selling homes at Edgelaw View and make our return to the area after the huge success of Edgelaw.

“The new development has something for a wide range of buyers, whether they’re looking to get a foot on the property ladder, upsize to a larger home, or downsize to a convenient location near Edinburgh. Given the demand for new homes near the city centre, we’re expecting a big uptake on the styles released for sale this weekend so would encourage buyers considering a move to register their interest now.”

The first homes at Edgelaw View, which are currently being built, will be ready to move into later this year, and buyers will get the chance to explore Miller Homes’ only townhouse showhome in Scotland when it opens early 2025.

Edgelaw View is being sold from Miller Homes’ Carberry Grange development, located off Whitecraig Road, Whitecraig, East Lothian EH21 8PG.

To be kept up to date with the latest news on Edgelaw View, or to find out more about the upcoming development, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk.

Aldi to distribute two tonnes of samples at this year’s Royal Highland Show

Visitors to the Aldi marquee can try a range of products this weekend, from Scotch Sirloin Steak to Specially Selected Scottish Tablet

Aldi is set to distribute almost two tonnes of food samples at this year’s Royal Highland Show as it showcases the very best of its Scottish suppliers.

The retailer’s giant marquee will return to Avenue O (30) with 23 suppliers from around the country including Angus Soft Fruits, Brownings the Bakers, and Aldomak.

Aldi has predicted it will give away:

  • 216 litres of ice cream, with flavours such as Belgian chocolate and creamy Madagascan vanilla.
  • Over 35,000 strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
  • Over a tonne of beef products, including Scotch 30-day sirloin steak and Scotch quarter pounders
  • Over 500kg of sweet treats, including handmade Scottish fudge and caramel shortcake.
  • 80kgs of haggis.

There will also be beer samples from Fierce Beer and Williams Brothers Brewing, giving visitors a sneak peek of what to expect at the retailer’s upcoming Summer Beer Festival, which launches on Thursday 27 June.

Now in its 202nd year, the Royal Highland Show (20-23 June) is a celebration of the country’s best food, farming and rural life, with crowds of 200,000 expected.

Aldi will be returning to Scotland’s biggest outdoor event as it celebrates its 30th year in Scotland, having opened its first store in Kilmarnock in 1994.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are very proud of the strong relationships that we have built with our Scottish suppliers. Thanks to these relationships, we will have one of our biggest sampling years yet at the Royal Highland Show, the ideal event to showcase the fantastic quality of produce available right here in Scotland.

“I am very grateful to our network of suppliers who are supporting us at this year’s event.  I encourage everyone attending the show to visit our marquee and try our Scottish range for themselves; I guarantee they won’t be disappointed.”

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.   

Scottish Government’s home ownership support scheme reopens

Help for first-time buyers across the country on low to medium incomes

A scheme to help first time buyers and certain priority groups step on to the property ladder has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is available across Scotland to first-time buyers on low or medium incomes who cannot afford the full price of a home.

Successful applicants will be able to buy a home without having to purchase it in full, usually between 60% and 90% of the property’s value, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Taking the first step on to the property ladder can be difficult for some, especially during the cost of living crisis where we have seen inflation and interest rates push house prices up.

“We recognise that and by reopening the OMSE scheme we are giving help to as many people as possible to own an affordable home by creating a level playing field with other buyers.

“I would encourage anyone who is either a first-time buyer or in one of the priority groups to consider applying through the scheme.”

Apply here

Student triumphs over postnatal depression to graduate from Heriot-Watt University

A woman who overcame crippling postnatal depression and suicidal thoughts to complete her studies, graduates from Heriot-Watt University today (June 20).

Helan Vinod was presented with an MSc in Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication during the Summer Graduation Ceremonies being held this week at the University’s Edinburgh campus.

It was a moment charged with intense emotion for the 29-year-old who endured a traumatic pregnancy and labour just eight months ago, leading to fears she would not be able to graduate.

Her story is one of resilience and determination.

Helan moved to Edinburgh with her husband in February 2022 from their home in South India.

Shortly after arriving, Helan enrolled into her one-year course at the University’s School of Social Sciences but her world was turned upside down when, just weeks later, she fell pregnant.

Helan recalls: “Falling pregnant at that time was not really in our plans; we were going to wait at least another three years. “But once the shock had subsided we were, of course, delighted. So, I pushed myself to go ahead. I didn’t want to give up on my baby or my degree.”

Helan’s joy quickly turned into trepidation after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, causing excessive nausea and vomiting early in her pregnancy.

It became so debilitating that she was unable to attend her new job working in a fast-food restaurant and took the decision to resign.

It was also around this time that Helan was diagnosed with gallstones, resulting in bouts of agonising pain.

With so much to contend with, Helan started to notice a change in her mental health with growing feelings of depression and anxiety.

She said: “There were many factors effecting my mental health at that time. “I’d moved to a new country and knew I must adapt to everything being different, from the climate to the language. But I didn’t have much time to get used to this because everything happened so quickly.

“Being a new mum as well as a new student and trying to grapple with life in a new country, it all became too much for me. My parents were working in India so I couldn’t ask for much support from them. I was kind of stranded.”

Her condition worsened as the pregnancy progressed and started to affect her studies. At many points, Helan questioned whether she would have the physical strength to attend a class again, let alone graduate.

She turned to the University for help and was put in contact with the Student Wellbeing Services, which she credits as playing a crucial role in her academic success.

Helan said: “As an expecting mother experiencing challenges in terms of physical and mental health, there has been multiple instances where I felt that I had to give up on my studies. The support system at Heriot-Watt, especially the Student Wellbeing Services, were empathetic and remarkably accommodating.

“The course leaders were very friendly and approachable, most of them were keen to offer extra support since I had missed a few lectures due to my health constraints.”

On 31 October 2022, Helan gave birth in Edinburgh to a beautiful baby boy, named Isaiah – but shortly afterwards, she noticed a drastic change in her outlook.

She struggled to get out of bed in the mornings, lost her appetite and felt ‘desperate and hopeless’. At her lowest point, Helan admits to feeling suicidal.

She explained: “After the birth, I felt emotionally crippled. Although my parents had made the trip to Scotland for the birth, I was feeling really low, tearful and it was an absolute disaster. I really don’t know how to put it into words. I was feeling suicidal and was completely helpless.

“But the NHS was amazing and recognised these symptoms from early on, from before the birth, and I was placed under the care of the Postnatal mental health team.”

To aid her in her recovery, the University ensured Helan had all the support she needed to complete her studies.

This included granting an extension for her dissertation deadline allowing her to defer until the following year.

Helan concluded: “The student service centre and the visa team were professional, yet sensitive in their interactions. Throughout my pregnancy and postnatal recovery, the University remained accessible to me.

“The breastfeeding rooms, baby-changing facilities and accommodative attitude of the staff and students were important factors that helped me to cope with this pivotal transition period in my life.”

According to the NHS, postnatal depression affects more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. Its symptoms can be far ranging and include experiencing extreme highs and lows, frequent crying, feelings of guilt, anxiety and, in some cases, the mother being unable to care for her child.

Helan remains under the care of mental health services as she continues to recover but is looking forward to using her new qualification in her future career.

Danyah Miller to kick off the Summer Reading Challenge in Edinburgh

The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge is kicking off in Scotland with an exciting event featuring award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller.

On 29 June at 10.30am, Edinburgh Central Library will host Making Marvellous Stories with Danyah Miller, an interactive storytelling experience that celebrates the power of imagination and creativity.

Danyah Miller, an international solo performer, writer, and story trainer, will lead an engaging spontaneous storytelling hour. Through story games and collaborative storytelling, children and families will embark on a journey to spark their imaginations and create lasting memories together.

Oral storytelling is a fundamental component of literacy development, enhancing fluency, vocabulary acquisition, writing skills, recall, and memory. By participating in this event, children will not only have a fun and interactive experience but also develop essential literacy skills.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in story games, make up fresh, new stories together, and learn tips and tricks for endless storytelling fun. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, igniting the imaginations of children and families alike.

“We left full of ideas and inspiration,” said a mum of boys aged 7 and 9 after attending one of Danyah’s previous storytelling events.

In addition to the storytelling experience, the Summer Reading Challenge, developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing creative arts to those in need, offers a range of exciting activities and resources that bring reading and creativity together throughout the school holiday. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through various outlets, including junk modelling, music, dance, drawing, and painting.

The Making Marvellous Stories with Danyah Miller event is free and open to the public. Families are invited to join this unforgettable experience and embark on a journey of storytelling and creativity at Edinburgh Central Library.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/our-work/events/making-marvellous-stories-with-danyah-miller/

Leith Victoria Swim Centre is calling out for keen bakers to help them celebrate turning 125 years

One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five Victorian pools, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, will be celebrating 125-years of ‘serving’ the city of Edinburgh and is calling on any keen bakers to join in the festivities.

The venue will be holding a Bake-Off event to celebrate the occasion on Friday, 28th June and is asking local businesses, staff and customers to embrace their inner Mary Berry to create some delicious cakes and tray bakes to raise funds for their Active Communities programmes.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities supports 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to get active – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.  As a venue, they hold 23 Active Community classes each week, and Leith Victoria is one of Edinburgh Leisure’s busiest venues supporting hundreds of people in the local community.

The Bake-Off judging will take place at 11.20 – 11.30am following a busy Aqua and yoga class that takes place earlier in the building, when participants often congregate for a coffee and a blether after. Prizes will be awarded to the best bakes.

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s previous Chief Executive, who retired in March 2024 after 38 years’ service with Edinburgh Leisure, will be Chief Judge, along with Jen Holland, their new CEO and one of Leith Victoria’s regular customers Christine, 71 years, who attends 19 classes a week at the Leith Viccies, as it is affectionately known locally.

The original Victoria Leith Baths were opened in 1899 by Provost John Bennet. The original plaque is still on display at Leith Victoria Swim Centre.   A plaque is also still on display on the exterior of the building which says, ‘Leith School Board, Swimming Baths, 1896’ and there is still the old red and white ‘Baths’ sign on the exterior of the building. 

Leith Swimming Baths (now restored) linked to the ‘Public Baths’ (i.e. rows of enamel baths) and Laundry (both now demolished to create the Victoria Swim Centre).  The baths were in use until the late 1970s, due to the high number of Leith dwellings lacking bathrooms up to that time.  In the good old days, men got changed on one side of the pool, and ladies on the other.   Obviously that no longer happens but the baths do have individual changing cubicles around the outside of the pool.

Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria explained: “At 125 years old, Leith Viccies is rich in history, and we also know it holds a special place in so many people’s hearts locally, with customers of a certain vintage telling us how they learnt to swim here many years ago and have carried the tradition on with their children and grandchildren learning to swim here too.  

“So, if there are any keen bakers locally for whom Leith Viccies holds a special place in their memory bank and would like to get involved, please get in touch. It’s all a bit of fun but will hopefully raise much needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which supports so many different groups of people.”

If there are any keen bakers who would like to contribute a traybake, biscuits, cookies or cake for the event, the team at Leith Victoria would love to have your support.  Please get in touch with:

susanmcintosh@edinburghleisure.co.uk or juliaadams@edinburghleisure.co.uk .

Framework launched to transform water safety in Edinburgh schools

New initiative aims to reduce drowning risk

A BOLD new framework that aims to revolutionise water safety in schools has been launched.

4400 children from Edinburgh have already taken part in the new National Primary School Swimming Framework.

The National Primary School Swimming Framework – a partnership between  Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming – vision is to ensure that primary school children (ideally at Primary 4/Primary 5 level) across Scotland will get to learn basic water safety and drowning prevention skills to help them be safer and more confident in, on and around water.

Developed by Scottish Swimming and supported by Scottish Water, the Framework will introduce standardised outcomes alongside innovative, flexible delivery models tailored to local needs to enhance the current School Swimming provision.

Mel Coutts, Wider Achievement Manager for Sport & Physical Activity from The City of Edinburgh Council said: “Teaching water safety skills is vital for ensuring children of all backgrounds are safe around water.  

“The National Primary School Swimming Framework complements the model which has been successfully developed in Edinburgh for many years and is delivered across our 90 primary schools.

“Building this programme over the years has built the confidence of our schools in our swimming programme and in turn improves the confidence of pupils taking part. The fact that the Framework can be adapted so easily is a huge plus.

“Our partnership with Scottish Swimming is highly valued and the support we received for additional teaching support to work with our curriculum Swim Teachers to target non-swimmers has been priceless.”

Edinburgh facilitated the pilot across 14 pools and aims to reach around 5000 pupils in the next academic year.

Launched during a Drowning Prevention Week event at Loch Lomond yesterday (19 June), the framework hopes to ensure all children have the chance to learn vital water safety skills, which may be their only opportunity for such education.

Over 9200 pupils have already taken part in two phases of pilots which were carried out across nine local authorities across Scotland, the Framework has now been made accessible for all local authorities and pools.

Statistics show that Scotland’s record on drownings are worryingly high, with 47 accidental drownings reported by the National Water Safety Forum in 2023, almost 10 fatal drownings per one million people, almost triple the rate of the rest of the UK.

Euan Lowe, CEO at Scottish Swimming, added: “Our vision is that ‘everyone can swim’, and we believe that teaching primary school age children water safety skills is vital to this.

“The framework’s flexible approach allows schools to adopt models best suited to their circumstances while delivering consistent skills and messaging in relation to water safety. Whether through a universal approach or targeted programmes for non-swimmers, we maintain core water safety principles.

“This collaborative effort with Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, sportscotland, and educational bodies underscores our commitment to making swimming accessible and safe for all children.”

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Learning how to be safer in, on and around water is such an important life skill – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely.

“Scotland’s drowning rates highlight the urgent need for comprehensive water safety education.“We are proud to support the National Primary School Swimming Framework, which aims to help ensure children across Scotland leave primary school with the essential knowledge and skills to stay safe around water.”

A recent survey of primary school headteachers in Scotland revealed that nine in 10 that currently deliver school swimming value it as part of their pupils’ education. With nearly three quarters (72%) of schools unaware of the Water Safety Scotland Progression Pathway classroom resources for school teachers, this new framework is set out to ensure all children receive essential water safety skills.

The framework is designed to adapt to various local authority environments, ensuring inclusivity and targeting children who may not have previous swimming experience. Integrating the Water Safety Code throughout aligns with Water Safety Scotland’s drowning prevention initiatives.

Supported by the Scottish Government and sportscotland, and with the involvement of Education Scotland and Water Safety Scotland, pilot programmes explored different delivery models, leading to the comprehensive framework now available for schools across the nation.

Pilot programmes were carried out in the following local authorities:

  • Dundee: 30 pupils
  • East Lothian: 1238 pupils
  • North Lanarkshire: 134 pupils
  • Scottish Borders: 86 pupils
  • West Dunbartonshire: 1100 pupils
  • Aberdeen: 1490 pupils
  • Edinburgh: 4400 pupils
  • Clackmannanshire: 540 pupils
  • East Renfrewshire: 230 pupils

The framework is linked to Scottish Swimming’s comprehensive education qualifications and CPD courses to aid the development and quality of delivery.

Drowning Prevention Week (15-22 June 2024), organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), stands as one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland, specifically targeting the summer season. Its primary goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding water safety, particularly during the summer months.

For more information on The National Primary School Swimming Framework, visit: https://www.scottishswimming.com/ 

or contact schoolswimming@scottishswimming.com

Màiri McAllan maternity cover

Gillian Martin to be Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy

Gillian Martin will take on responsibility for the Net Zero and Energy brief as Acting Cabinet Secretary when Màiri McAllan starts her maternity leave next month.

The cover arrangements will begin on 1 July and are being made as Ms McAllan is expecting her first child in July. Ms McAllan is the second serving Cabinet Secretary in the Scottish Government to take maternity leave. She will remain Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy while on leave, resuming her duties upon her return.

Ms Martin will step up from her current post of Minister for Climate Action to be Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, while retaining responsibility for the Circular Economy.

Alasdair Allan, who previously served as a Minister from 2011 to 2018, will rejoin the government as Acting Minister for Climate Action as cover for Ms Martin.

These appointments are subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament and His Majesty The King.  

First Minister John Swinney said: “I want to thank Màiri McAllan for everything she has achieved in government so far, including ensuring that tackling the climate crisis and accelerating our era defining energy transition to a just transition remains one of our key priorities.

“I look forward to welcoming Màiri back to her post as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy next year, and send my warmest wishes to her, Iain and their whole family as they embark on this exciting new chapter together.

“I am delighted that Gillian Martin will become Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy and I look forward to welcoming Alasdair Allan back to government as Acting Minister for Climate Action. I am confident they will work tirelessly to ensure we continue to meet our climate obligations.”

Ms McAllan said: “Tacking the climate crisis and seizing the era defining opportunity of Scotland’s energy transition remain two of the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time.

“That is why I have been honoured to lead this vitally important portfolio in government, working with stakeholders across the country to ensure we are supporting our transition to net zero in a sustainable and fair way, as well as seizing the opportunities of the future.

!I know the Scottish Government will continue to make good progress and that the portfolio is in safe hands with Gillian Martin and Alasdair Allan.”

Ms Martin said: “Having worked in this vital area for over a year, I am so pleased to be stepping up to the role of Acting Cabinet Secretary.

“I remain committed to ensuring the government is laser focused on tackling the climate emergency.”

Dr Allan said: “It is an honour to rejoin the Scottish Government and I look forward to working with colleagues in government and Parliament, as well as stakeholders across Scotland, to ensure we progress our plans around energy efficiency and renewable heating.”

Record ticket sales ahead of this weekend’s Royal Highland Show

Friday and Saturday sell out

This weekend, the gates will open on Scotland’s largest outdoor event, the Royal Highland Show, with its event organiser RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), confirming that tickets for Friday and Saturday have now sold out.

This year has also seen higher ticket sales recorded than in previous years, with ticket sales up 15% on the same time last year.

Friday and Saturday car parking is also sold out and attendees without parking tickets are encouraged to use public transport.

**Pics free to use** RHASS and Edinburgh Trams

Up to 55,000 visitors will make their way to Ingliston, Edinburgh on each of the four days of the Show from today Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd June to experience ‘acres of epicness’ during the unforgettable event which includes a mix of the traditional and unexpected.  

Now in its 202nd year, the Royal Highland Show sees an influx of visitors from as far a field as Argentina, USA and Australia and exhibitors and competitors from all corners of the UK arrive during Show week.

This transforms the Royal Highland Centre into the sixth largest population in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline, with the Show contributing almost 40 million pounds to Edinburgh’s economy each year.

While tradition remains at the heart of the Royal Highland Show, the event is far from conventional. 

Sitting alongside the traditional aspects including livestock competitions and parades – around 6,000 animals flock to the Show over the four days – visitors can expect to see sparks fly in the heat of a farriery competition, daredevil BMX riders Showing off their flips and tricks and be on the edge of their seats in the forestry arena as they are entertained by axe throwers, live chainsaw carving, and pole climbers.

The dedicated kid zone located in the Countryside Area will include live Sealpin Gundog and birds of prey flying demonstrations. The RHET Discovery Centre will also allow young visitors to turn their hand to milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow and take part in honey tasting and candle making.

After the Show on Friday and Saturday, legendary country music promoters, Farmers Bash present the Royal Highland Hoolie which brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

Eight live folk and country music acts will perform including headliners Tide Lines and Derek Ryan. Limited tickets are still available for the Hoolie which can be purchased from www.royalhighlandShow.org

Those attending both the Show and Hoolie are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. Travelling by Edinburgh Tram to Ingliston Park and Ride visitors will be able to get a shuttle bus to the Show or if travelling by bus, Lothian Buses 97 and 98 services will run direct from central Edinburgh to the Show.  Visitors who do wish to drive are required to book parking tickets in advance as no parking tickets will be available on the day.

David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS, said: “We’ve officially sold out across two days! The site transforms into the sixth largest population in Scotland the week of the Show; effectively we transform the venue into a mini town which is no mean feat, but our dedicated team have been working around the clock over the last three and a half weeks to ensure visitors have the best experience possible when they visit us this weekend.

“Our traditional Show elements very much remain at the heart of the weekend, with the best of British livestock and equine competing but we also have so many unexpected and family-friendly activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

“From music to BMX stunts, cookery displays, the farrier competition, sheep sheering and birds of prey and sheepdog demonstrations, there really is something for everyone.

“With large crowds anticipated, we are encouraging those travelling to the Show to consider using public transport whenever possible. The Show is located just minutes from the tram and dedicated Lothian buses will drop you right at the door of the event. We’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s Show-goers through the gates come Thursday!”

Visitors are also encouraged to download the Royal Highland Show app ahead of Show day to make the most of their day out. Through it, Showgoers can view the Show programme, competition schedules and access an interactive map of the Show.

Those who missed out on tickets for this year will be able to catch a one-hour daily programme featuring key event highlights, interviews, and stories from each day of the Royal Highland Show via RHS TV.

The programme will broadcast on Freeview channel 278 and will also be available to watch on demand on the Royal Highland Show Website.

For further information including travel information, booking car parking or Hoolie tickets visit www.royalhighlandShow.org