The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) launched the Local Shows Development Fund earlier this year, providing much-needed support for grassroots regional agricultural shows.
The £30,000 grant aims to help local agri shows across Scotland recover and thrive following significant financial challenges over the past couple of years. The support provides the potential to deliver projects that may have previously felt out of reach, allowing regional shows to plan for a sustainable future.
The grant forms an integral part of RHASS’s charitable remit to support and promote Scotland’s rural communities. It recognises the contribution regional shows make to the local economy alongside their value in promoting Scotland’s rich agricultural heritage.
Approved applications for the 2023 fund include the installation of a permanent WiFi connection within the Turriff Show showground, the fitting of pedestrian barriers around the main ring area of the Stirling Agricultural Show, and improvements to the Kirriemuir Show’s education marquee.
David Tennant, Head of Show at RHASS, expressed his enthusiasm for the fund, said: “Regional shows have faced unprecedented difficulties over the past two years, and we are delighted to be in a position to support local shows, helping them get back on their feet.
“We know that these events are key for communities, so we encourage everyone to attend their local Show as well as marking the Royal Highland Show in the diary. We look forward to seeing a successful show season this summer.”
The Local Shows Development Grant will benefit the following shows this summer*:
- Angus Show
- Stirling Show
- Dalrymple Show
- Caithness Show
- Kirriemuir Show
- Sutherland Show
- Banchory Show
- Stranraer Show
- Border Union Show
- East Kilbride Show
- Turriff Show
- Black Isle Show
- Berwickshire County Show
- Dumfries Show
- Lorn Show
- Keith Show
- Cunningsburgh Show
- Grantown Show
- Orkney Show
- Kinross Show
- Tarland Show
The grant will open for applications again this September for the 2024 show season. More information on how to apply will be circulated in the coming months.
For further information about the work of RHASS please visit rhass.org.uk
*Changes to levels of funding and Shows may vary throughout the year.