ANIMAL rights charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for the Royal Highland Show to become a vegan event.
Dawn Carr, vice president of vegan corporate projects at PETA, wrote an open letter to Jim Warnock, chair of the the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), which organises the show.
In her letter. Carr called for the event to become the “Royal Highland Grow” and focus on crop farming.
“Instead of outdated cow parades, cruel sheep shearing, and food that has been cut or expelled from an animal’s body, the new ‘Royal Highland Grow’ can celebrate Scotland’s hard-working plant-based farmers and delicious, locally-produced vegan fare,” she said.
“The change will support the UK’s arable and horticultural farmers and help protect the environment by highlighting all the fantastic crops that can be grown in Scotland, from kelp to oats.”
Alan Laidlaw, chief executive at the RHASS, released a statement in reply.
“We disagree with PETA’s misrepresentation of the Royal Highland Show, including labelling sheep shearing as ‘cruel’ – this reflects a lack of understanding of what is required for good animal health, wellbeing, and the importance of Scottish agriculture.
“I can only assume that this is to grab media attention; however, while most will see through this for what it is, it has the potential to further undermine our proud agricultural sector and our farmers who work twenty-four-seven to feed our nation with a wide choice of fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat for the many millions who choose to make that part of their diet.”
The Royal Highland Show attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year and contributes £39.5 million to the Scottish economy.
The 201st show will take place on 22 to 25 June.
Read more news and reviews on Scottish Field’s food and drink pages, in association with Cask & Still magazine.
Plus, don’t miss the mystery diner’s restaurant review in the April issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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