Latest news with #RHET
The Courier
4 days ago
- General
- The Courier
More food and farming day fun for kids in Fife and Kinross-shire
Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) food and farming days have been a big hit with youngsters across Scotland this spring. The aim is to give every child in Scotland the chance to learn about food, farming and the countryside. RHET says this will create a better understanding of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of rural Scotland. Recent events in Perth & Kinross and Fife saw hundreds of primary school pupils enjoying a day on the farm. There were nearly 200 getting some valuable hands-on learning experience at Tillyochie Farm near Kinross. Local schools taking part included Arngask, Fossoway, Portmoak, Kinross, Milnathort, Goodlyburn, and Cleish. RHET's Perth & Kinross team, supported by host farmers the Smith family, delivered sessions on topics including soil health, livestock care, food production and biodiversity. The event also had the support of 21 volunteers, including people from the local community, as well as representatives from organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland and the Kilted Christmas Tree Company. RHET Perth & Kinross project co-ordinator Tara Clark said: 'These kinds of experiences leave a lasting impression on pupils. 'They help children form early connections with where their food comes from and the people who produce it – something that's more relevant than ever these days.' Portmoak Primary School pupil Sylvie said: 'The trip made me feel happy because I got to find out a bit about cows.' Tanvi said she 'learned lots of new facts about animals', while Gaia said: 'Now I know how pine trees grow. It was a great experience.' Meanwhile, Jacob said he was particularly impressed by the hens, adding: 'Not even the strongest man in the world could break an egg with two fingers.' Sophia and Mimi loved seeing the 'cute' sheep and their lambs, while Phoebe was amazed to find out horses need groomed at 5am every day. The farm's Clydesdale horses found a new friend in Duncan, while the sheepdogs were a big hit with Sam. Meanwhile, there were 135 younsgsters from three Fife primaries – Canmore and St Leonards RC in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay – at a RHET food and farming day at Droverhall Farm, Crossgates, Hosted by the Adam and Collier families and supported by a wide range of people and organisations,the educational sessions at Droverhall covered topics including beekeeping, vegetables, farm machinery, sheep shearing, beef cattle and cereals.
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Five unmissable family experiences at this year's Royal Highland Show
Scotland's biggest outdoor event – The Royal Highland Show returns to the Royal Highland Centre in in just four-weeks' time Thursday 19 – Sunday 22nd June, and it's packed with incredible activities for kids and grown-ups alike. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With children 15 and undergoing free, it's not only a fantastic experience, it's also one of the best value family tickets in Scotland this summer. You'll find animals, food, crafts, sports, music, shopping and entertainment, all wrapped into one unforgettable day. If you've never been to the Show but would love to go, then these must-see family experiences might help you decide! Here are 5 of the best reasons to bring the family along: Royal Highland Show Thrills, and jaw-dropping displays Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From BMX stunt shows and axe throwing to tree climbing and forestry demos, the Royal Highland Show is full of energy and excitement. Watch elite sheep shearers compete head-to-head, and don't miss the sparks fly during the farriery competition where blacksmiths battle it out for top honours. And for a view like no other, take a spin on the Big Wheel and see the entire Show from the sky and spot the animals, arenas and food stalls from above! Hands-on learning and fun at the RHET Discovery Centre The RHET (The Royal Highland Education Trust) Discovery Centre is a must for all children, offering a host of hands-on activities and interactive sessions on farming, food, and rural life. Discover more about robotic milking, butter-making, fishing and shellfish and meet the team's friendly fibreglass coo! It's learning by doing, and guaranteed to keep curious minds entertained. Jump behind the wheel in a mini-Land Rover! New for 2025! Kids can take the wheel of their very own Mini Rover Land Rover. The mini cars will take drivers on their very own off-road adventure course, just like the grown-up version. Get up-close with cows, sheep, alpacas and more! Over 4,500 livestock and horses will make the Royal Highland Show their home for four days as they compete for an array of coveted titles. Walk amongst the animals, speak to the owners to find out more about the breeds, the titles they're competing for and event capture a family picture, or two! Alongside traditional livestock animals such as sheep and cows, there will also be donkeys, goats and alpacas to spot! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Don't miss out on the Grand Parade of champions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons – a truly iconic spectacle. Music, dancing and evening vibes at the Royal Highland Hoolie Stick around for the Royal Highland Hoolie on the Friday and Saturday nights, where some of Scotland and Ireland's best fold and country acts will take to the stage. Designed for kids over 5, it is the perfect place to relax, refuel and let the little ones enjoy the atmosphere too. As the UK's largest agricultural Show and biggest fundraising event for RHASS, the week of the Show sees the event site become the sixth-largest population centre in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline, with over 220,000 people expected to attend. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With free entry for kids, tens of thousands of animals, live entertainment, food and drink from across Scotland, and interactive zones that celebrate all things rural life, the Royal Highland Show is a full day of adventure and discovery for every member of the family. David Tennant, Head of Show, said:'The Royal Highland Show is unlike anything else in Scotland – and unforgettable day our where families can discover the best of farming, food and rural life all in one place. With so many free and interactive experiences for children, it offers incredible value as well as entertainment. This year, we've introduced exciting new additions like the Mini Land Rover track and extended our family activities across the Show, with more still to be annoucned. Whether you're local or travelling from further afield, we can't wait to welcome you to this year's Show! With such big crowds anticipated, the Show team is encouraging event-goers to utilise public transport to limit congestion on the surrounding roads whenever possible. A dedicated 'RHS OHH'-wrapped Edinburgh Tram is now in service and will be over the Show, offering easy access to and from Ingliston.
Press and Journal
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Five-week countdown to Royal Highland Show
Excitement is building for the 2025 Royal Highland Show (RHS). Scotland's premier agricultural event is now just over five weeks away. And to highlight the drive to get show-goers to use public transport to get to and from the event, two lambs, a Highland coo and her calf, and a miniature Shetland Pony took a trip on an Edinburgh tram. RHS will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, over four days next month. It starts on Thursday June 19, running through to the Sunday. The annual event is focused on agriculture. But there's always plenty of food, drink, trade and lifestyle stands, and great entertainment to keep 220,000-plus visitors busy. To mark the countdown to the show, lambs Hatton Morton and Hatton Maple, miniature Shetland pony Milday Ferregamo, and Highland coo and calf duo Siusan Ruadh 67th and Siusan 1st of Ar Leirsinn, hopped aboard a specially decorated tram. The animals were joined by two-year-old Arthur Tennant and his mum and dad, Carol and David Tennant. David, head of show for the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), said: 'As the UK's largest agricultural show and biggest fundraising event for RHASS, the week of the show sees the event site become the sixth-largest population centre in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline, with over 220,000 people expected to attend. 'With such big crowds anticipated, we would encourage visitors to utilise public transport as the quickest and easiest way to get to the event.' Tickets for the show are selling quickly, David said. He added: 'Our family activities will include lots of exciting additions, such as the Mini Rovers and Land Rover Experience in the Motor Zone, and the already popular BMX rider demonstrations and RHET Discovery Centre, which provides educational experiences for children to learn about everything from robotic milking to butter-making.' Education and learning about agriculture and rural life for families remain at the heart of the show, which children 15 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult. This year's event includes an extended family offer on the Sunday, June 22nd, with more details to be revealed over the coming weeks. David continued: 'Visitors can look forward to traditional livestock competitions and thrilling displays in the forestry arena which will include axe throwers, chainsaw carving, and pole climbers showcasing their impressive skills. The kids' zone will feature fun and interactive activities like live falconry, gundog displays, and hands-on crafts for younger visitors. The Royal Highland Hoolie returns this year with an exciting lineup of music. Edinburgh Trams head of service dlivery Sarah Singh said: 'While we won't be sending many trams out with a 'heilan coo' on board, the eye-catching wrap will certainly attract plenty of attention ''The Royal Highland Show is one of the highlights of our calendar – and we'll be busy during all four days to ensure customers can get to and from the event quickly and safely. 'As well as the extra trams running to the nearby Ingliston Park and Ride, additional staff will be on hand to direct visitors to the showground… and a free shuttle bus will also provide a link to the east gate. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
The Courier
10-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Calf born during '10 out of 10' farm visit by pupils from Fife high school
The Whiteford family of Hilltarvit Mains, Fife, opened their farm to 270 Bell Baxter High School pupils to give them an insight into beef production. The educational farm tour, held over two days, was arranged by Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Fife Countryside Initiative. It focused on cattle-raising from birth to market. Lucy Whiteford, of Hilltarvit Mains, near Cupar, said: 'The high welfare standards, traceability, care, time and hard work that goes into producing the best beef is not always fully comprehended. 'It is so important for children to understand where their beef comes from, so they can make an informed decision about whether they choose to eat it – or not.' Bell Baxter High depute head Brian Harris agreed, adding: 'The pupils had a great experience. 'They were within touching distance of the cattle and one group was lucky enough to see a calf being born, then take it's first steps.' Thanking hosts John and Lucy Whiteford, Mr Harris said: 'How well they care for their animals was clear throughout the two-day visit. We hope their passion for animal welfare, while producing a sustainable, quality product, will inspire some of our young people to consider a career in farming.' But what did the pupils think? We asked two of them, Liam Barr and Brogan Smith. Liam said: 'My family have a farm, so I knew what I was going to see. It was good seeing how other people look after their cattle.' Brogan Smith gave the visit 'eight out of 10 but only because the bus journey'. He added: 'The farm part was 10 out of 10. I learned a lot about how well the farmer takes care of the cattle throughout their lives. They told us about what the cattle get to eat and how they plan for the whole year. 'When I get meat from the shops, It'll make me think about where it comes from.' RHET project co-ordinator Carole Brunton said: It's crucial young people receive factual information about the food they consume, and understand the importance of eating locally sourced products.' Launched in 1999, RHET works with volunteers to provide free educational and experiential learning opportunities linked to the Curriculum for Excellence.
The Courier
06-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
120 kids learn about farming life on Highland Perthshire outing
More than 120 excited primary school pupils from across Highland Perthshire learned about farming practices on a day out at Findynate Estate near Aberfeldy. The event was organised by the Perth and Kinross branch of the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET). Hosted by Matthiji and Marion Geerdink, the day gave young learners a hands-on opportunity to explore Scotland's countryside and understand more about estate life,. They were also able to try their hand at a range of traditional country skills. 9 'interactive stations' covered wide range of farming and rural life topics at Highland Perthshire event There were engaging and educational activities across nine 'interactive stations'. One of these was focused on agricultural hardware, with the primary five pupils all having the chance to explore some of the big machines that keep farms running. Another was devoted to sheep and wool. Fun day out at Findynate Estate. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross The children also got to find out about pig farming, responsible angling and the links between field and fork. Other topics included forestry, moorlands and, courtesy of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, local wildlife and conservation. A cooking demonstration during the kids's day out. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross Meanwhile, a rifle range gave the youngsters a supervised introduction to countryside sports. Kinloch Rannoch Primary School teacher Leanne Cusack said: 'It was a great day out for the children. 'It gave them hands-on experience with things we can't recreate as well in school.' Strange-looking deer at Findynate Estate. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross Immersive experience The immersive experience wouldn't have been possible without the support of dedicated volunteers and contributors. Ballintaggart, of Grandtully, provided lunches for the volunteers, ensuring they were well-fuelled throughout the busy day. The children loved learning more about nature. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross What is the Royal Highland Education Trust? RHET aims to bring the working countryside and its practices closer to young people across Scotland. Through farm visits, classroom talks, and estate days like the one at Findynate Estate, the charity helps connect the next generation with the land as well as rural industries that are vital to Scotland's heritage and future. It connects more than 70,000 children and young people a year with farmers, creating a wider understanding of the environmental, economic, and social realities of Scottish rural life.
