Royal Highland Show is ‘bigger than Hogmanay’

THE Royal Highland Show contributes £39.5 million to Edinburgh’s economy – more than the city’s Hogmanay celebrations, according to new figures.

The report by BOP Consulting marks the first time that the show’s financial impact has been measured using the same criteria as Edinburgh’s festivals.

The equivalent of 674 full-time jobs are also supported by the show.

Around 200,000 people visit the Ingliston showground during the event’s four days.

The report was commissioned by Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), which runs the show.

Mark Currie, its operations director, said: “The economic impact and reach of the Royal Highland Show is significant, and this report demonstrates the importance of the show as one of Scotland’s largest and most well-attended events.

“Visitors and exhibitors come from far and wide to connect, be entertained, to sell and to buy, and it is widely acknowledged to be the best platform for rural Scottish businesses in the country.

“We are fortunate to have a loyal and engaged audience, and one that is only growing as the show evolves into a truly global event – this year more than 200,000 people from around the world tuned in to watch the show online.”

Read more stories on Scottish Field’s outdoors pages.

Plus, don’t miss Guy Grieve’s column in the December issue of Scottish Field magazine.