AgriScot expected to be staged “as normal”

“This year’s AgriScot is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18^th November and at present the expectation is that the event will be staged as normal” says AgriScot Chairman, Robert Neill, speaking earlier this week from his farm in the Scottish Borders.

“We are desperately sorry for events including the Royal Highland Show that have had to take the unavoidable decision to cancel. The absence of summer shows will be keenly felt by the farming community.”

“We hope that by the time AgriScot takes place in November the event can play a part in life and business returning to some form of normality. Planning is proceeding on that basis and the portal for trade exhibitor online applications will be opened in May.”

“We have already been working behind the scenes on plans for AgriScot 2020 and indeed for future years, and we are delighted to announce that we have recently signed a 5 year agreement with the Royal Highland Centre team to ensure that AgriScot can continue to utilise the first class facilities at Ingliston.”

“As we look at plans for 2020, and indeed for future years, the current situation regarding covid-19 has focussed our minds on how we can further reach out to audiences who may be unable to physically attend the event for any reason.”

“Over the past 4 or 5 years our live streaming from the AgriScot ring, mainly of the cattle judging and farm of the year award presentations, has been extremely well received by audiences as far a field as Canada. This technology opens up opportunities for us to live stream further elements of the event and even, should circumstances deem it necessary, to provide an established platform to stage the seminars and other elements of the event in a “virtual” fashion.”

Regarding the various farm of the year and other awards annually presented by AgriScot, Mr Neill stated: “With farming businesses throughout Scotland, and indeed the people behind them, facing unprecedented challenges at present, we are conscious that the normal farm of the year award process will have to adapt to circumstances.”

“The AgriScot directors, along with our award sponsors and supporters will continue to monitor the situation and we will look to launch the awards in the early summer. There will be many farming businesses stepping up to the plate too, for example, to directly support or supply their local communities, and I would hope that these are recognised when the awards open for nominations.”

“We are a big and diverse family at AgriScot, from farming Directors to widely scattered trade exhibitors to sponsors, supporters, cattle exhibitors and regular visitors. I hope everyone will stay safe and well and I sincerely look forward to welcoming everyone along to AgriScot on 18^thNovember.”