GALLERY: See best photos from Royal Highland Show 2024

The impressive turnout made the Royal Highland Centre the sixth largest population in Scotland, bigger than Paisley or Dunfermline, and with more attendees than Taylor Swift’s recent concerts. 

The sell-out crowd was wowed with the best display of farming, food and rural life that Scotland has to offer. 

Mark Currie, director of venue for RHASS, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see record crowds at the Royal Highland Show this year.  

“Day two has seen a fantastic array of competitions, events and exhibitors and we send our congratulations to all the winners so far. We look forward to two more action packed days.” 

The Royal Highland Show 2024 has generated £3.3 million. 327 prestigious trophies and a prize fund of £208,073 were competed for and awarded at this year’s show.  

Over 6,000 livestock were welcomed, including 2,500 competitors from across the UK and visitors from as far afield as Australia and Argentina. More than 800 exhibitors, stretching across food, drink, clothing, artisanal crafts and agri-trade were also in attendance.

Return in all its glory

Over 9,000 people spent Friday and Saturday evening at the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie, with country and folk music from an array of artists, including native Scottish band Tide-Lines and Irish singer Derek Ryan.

David Tennant, head of show for RHASS, said: “This year we have seen the show return in all its glory, and it has been a true delight to see generations from across the agricultural community come together to celebrate their great achievements, learnings, stories and make new memories, just as it has been to see visitors and families enjoy all that the show has to offer. 

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“With more tickets available to the general public than ever, it’s fantastic to see the demand has been met with strong ticket sales.

“While the show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, over the years we have developed it so far beyond that, and every year we build and grow on the last with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.”

Ticket sales across the 2024 event were up on previous years, marking an increase of 15% on the same time last year, with Friday and Saturday selling out ahead of the show opening. 

The Queen’s Cup, which was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 to commemorate her presidency of the Royal Highland Show, was this year awarded to the dairy section, with the Laird family scooping the coveted prize two years back-to-back. They are only the second family to do so and the third to win it for a second time.

Read more about upcoming events in our shows and events hub.