Latest news with #RoyalHighlandShow
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Scrap 'cruel' and 'archaic' Highland Show livestock parade, say animal rights activists
Animal rights group PETA is demanding a parade of horses and livestock at the Royal Highland Show is scrapped. Calling the tradition cruel, the charity said it is time for Scotland's largest agricultural event to 'enter the 21st century' and stop marching animals in front of noisy crowds. The historic show, which this year runs from June 19 to 22 at Ingliston, near Edinburgh Airport, showcases Scotland's food, farming and rural life. It attracts close to 200,000 visitors every year with around 4,500 head of livestock plus other animals on show and taking part in competitions. But PETA has sent a letter to James Logan, chairman of the organisers Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, urging him to 'scrap the cruel, archaic Grand Parade that showcases farmed animals and horses' and instead 'erect a statue that celebrates animals for the individuals they are'. Dawn Carr vice president of vegan corporate project at the charity said they'd even foot the bill for the artwork. She wrote since farming began our understanding of animals has improved and that every one of them is 'someone with complex socials preferences, skills, and a lust for life not unlike our own'. Ms Carr said: 'Cows and bulls are playful and loyal, sheep are clever and empathetic, and chickens are curious and nurturing. 'One thing animals are not is 'stock', and a statue commemorating them is a much better way to celebrate animals than marching them in front of noisy crowds of people, many of whom later pile animals' dead bodies onto plates. 'To meet this appetite for flesh, millions of animals are confined to dirty, dark factory farms for their entire miserable lives.' She continued: 'Of course, the Royal Highland Show can still celebrate farming! The UK farmers who supply our fruit, vegetables, grains and other plant foods certainly deserve a parade for keeping us nourished with cruelty-free protein, vitamins, and minerals with a far lower carbon footprint. 'Plus, not one potato will feel skittish if paraded through cheering crowds, nor will a squash scream when later chopped to pieces. Animal parades are so yesterday, but a plant parade would be a real turnip for the books.' Mr Logan said the show has 'proudly celebrated' the country's rural communities for 241 years championing all aspect of agriculture and food production. He added: 'Animal welfare is, and always has been, a top priority. We work closely with veterinary professionals, welfare organisations, and regulatory agencies to ensure the highest standards of care are upheld across the Show, including during the Grand Parade. 'Animals are handled by experienced professionals in a calm and respectful environment, and claims of cruelty are both inaccurate and misleading.' Mr Logan concluded: 'The Royal Highland Show continues to be a celebration of progress in food and farming and a showcase of the pride, professionalism, and care at the heart of Scottish agriculture.'
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Scotland's 12 best steaks maturing in Portlethen
About 150 beef producers across Scotland entered the latest Kepak McIntosh Donald-Tesco steak competition. Judge Scott Jarron chose his 12 favourite cuts of meat at Kepak McIntosh Donald's site at Portlethen. These will be cooked and judged for a final time on the Tesco stand at next month's Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. Scott is the co-owner of Broughty Ferry butchers Scott Brothers. He was helped in his difficult task of whittling the entries down to just 12 steaks by his son, Thomas. Alan Brown, primary operations director, Kepak McIntosh Donald, described the initial entries as a 'fabulous show of steaks'. This made the judging process 'very hard,' he said, adding: 'It was an excellent show of quality.' Thanking all participants and Kepak McIntosh Donald's 'loyal and dedicated' suppliers of 'top-class' beef and lamb, Mr Brown said the business had enjoyed 'excellent' growth over the past few years. Kepak Group processes hundreds of thousands of cattle annually across its UK and Irish operations. Its McIntosh Donald business, based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, is the largest beef and lamb processor in Scotland. Kepak McIntosh Donald is on track for processing around 100,000 cattle this year. Tesco is one of the firm's key customers and the steak competition partnership dates back to the late 1990s. Last year's title title was awarded jointly to a pair of Aberdeenshire producers. The Grubb family of Mountpleasant, Ardallie, Mintlaw, shared the top prize with John and Brian Troup, from Southbank Farm, Skene, Westhill. The final round of judging for this year's competition will take place on Friday June 20. Kepak McIntosh Donald procurement manager Ewan Hutcheson explained that by then the 12 competing steaks will each have completed a 30-day maturation process. There are four finalists from Aberdeen-Angus cattle, with eight from continental breeds. Messrs I&A Beaton, East Quartains, Banchory (A-A cross heifer, 353.2kg, R4L, 21 months and 24 days); E Buchan, Glenisla, Torphins (A-A cross stot, 320.8kg, R4L, 23 months and 12 days); Grubb Brothers, Moutpleasant, Ardallie, Mintlaw (A-A cross heifer, 312.1kg, R4L 13 months and 24 days); W Barr & Co, Thirlestane Farm, Lauder (A-A cross heifer, 276.2kg, R4L, 20 months and 18 days). A&C Watson, Glasslaw Farm, Stonehaven (Limousin cross heifer, 360.3kg, R4L, 22 months and 15 days); IJ Blackhall & Sons, Milton of Durris, near Banchory (Simmental cross heifer, 385kg, R4L, 19 months and 16 days); GM Masson, Denhead Farm, Catterline, near Stonehaven (Charolais cross heifer, 394.5kg, -U4L, 23 months and 23 days); J&M Troup, Southbank Farm, Skene, Westhill (Simmental cross heifer, 324.3kg, -U4L, 21 months and 11 days); D Sutherland & Co, Middleton of Brims, Forss, Thurso (Simmental cross stot, 365.8kg, -U4L, 15 months and 11 days); Messrs D Coghill & Sons, Skinnet Farm, Halkirk (Charolais cross heifer, 325.2kg, -U4L, 21 months and 10 days); J&J Watt, Stoneyhill, Keith Hall, near Inverurie (Limousin cross heifer, 350.1kg, -U4L, 22 months and 28 days); JS Baird & Son, Lurdenlaw Farm, Kelso (Limousin cross heifer, 339kg, R4L, 23 months and 10 days).
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Aldi announces search for new Scottish products
Grand Productions Scottish producers have a rare chance to Meet the Buyer at this year's Royal Highland Show Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. 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... Aldi Scotland is inviting Scottish food and drink producers to pitch new product ideas at this year's Royal Highland Show. The popular supermarket, which has the largest dedicated Scottish Buying Department in the country, has a prominent role at the iconic Edinburgh show taking place from 19 to 22 June. It is offering suppliers a rare chance to get in front of the people who decide what goes on shelves with its Meet the Buyer showcase. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With more than 450 Scottish food and drink products already in Aldi stores, the retailer is actively seeking to expand its offering and is calling on suppliers with an authentic provenance story to get in touch. Marine Products It is specifically looking for suppliers offering sustainable packaging solutions and those which have the capacity to supply all 109 Aldi stores in Scotland, either as a Specialbuy or an ongoing listing. To be eligible for consideration, suppliers must hold SALSA accreditation with BRC certification required for any own label listings". Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said: 'At Aldi Scotland, one of our core purposes is to champion local producers and we are always on the hunt to find new and exciting suppliers with strong Scottish roots. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our unique business model means there are various opportunities for suppliers to get involved with us, either on a limited Specialbuy basis or as a longer-term listing. Suppliers can also join under our owned-brand labels or as a stand-alone product. Aldomak 'Aldi has the largest Scottish buying department of any retailer in the UK, and our team has the expertise and experience to support suppliers to develop their offering for large scale retailing. We look forward to meeting with new suppliers at the Royal Highland Show this June.' Interested producers are invited to apply by contacting Aldi Scotland at scottishsuppliers@ The deadline for enquiries is Friday, May 30, 2025.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Music festival with star line-up between Glasgow & Edinburgh officially gets go-ahead from council
Read on to see who is performing MUSIC TO MY EARS Music festival with star line-up between Glasgow & Edinburgh officially gets go-ahead from council Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUSIC festival is gearing up to host two huge open-air gigs at a Scots park after a licence was granted by the council. Kelpies Live is set to host major names in the music business at Falkirk's Helix Park this summer. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Kelpies Live is set to host major names in the music business at Falkirk's Helix Park Credit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd 4 Eighties music legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will take to the stage on June 13 Credit: Getty 4 Pop star Jess Glynne will be hitting the Falkirk stage on Saturday, June 14 Credit: Getty UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will take to the stage on Friday, June 13 and Jess Glynne headlines on Saturday, June 14. Members of Falkirk Council's licensing board approved the application for the events after seeing the alcohol management plan, the Daily Record reports. They agreed to grant the licence which will see the bars stop serving at 10pm. The concerts are set to be held on the park's Great Lawn - which is only a few minutes walk away from the iconic Kelpies. It is organised by xfire live events and the bars will be run by Innis & Gunn, who are experienced at organising bars at events such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal Highland Show. Those attending are being urged to bring ID with them if they wish to buy alcohol as the Challenge 25 policy will be enforced. Eighties music legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will take to the stage at Helix Park on Friday, June 13. Fans of the Red Red Wine favourites have been urged to get their tickets quick as they are running low. Gates for the show open at 5pm on the night. And pop star Jess Glynne will be hitting the Falkirk stage on Saturday, June 14. Lucky fans hope for new music from Scots rock legends at secret gig It is the I'll Be There singer's only Scottish headline show of the summer. Gates for the show open at 2pm. Music fans have been warned that entry searches will be in operation and no-one will be allowed to bring in alcohol or any other liquids. Concert car parking, which must be booked in advanced, is at the nearby Falkirk Stadium. There is a free shuttle bus service for customers with mobility issues.
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Kelpies to host two major outdoor concerts at Helix Park this summer - Jess Glynne, UB40 dates and timings
Two major outdoor concerts will be hosted at The Kelpies this summer. 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... Falkirk's Helix Park is all set to host some big names in music as part of its Kelpies Live events, as a licence was granted for two open-air concerts in June. Members of Falkirk Council's licensing board had no hesitation in approving the application for when UB40 featuring Ali Campbell play on Friday, June 13 and Jess Glynne headlines on Saturday, June 14. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The world-famous Kelpies. Picture: Michael Gillen The concerts on the park's Great Lawn – a few minutes walk from the iconic sculptures – are being organised by xfire live events. The bars will be run by Innis & Gunn, which have experience working at major events, including the Royal Highland Show and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The board's policy is now that it will consider all applications for events that will have more than 1,000 attending. After seeing the alcohol management plan, members agreed to grant the licence, which will see the bars stop serving at 10pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ticket-holders have been advised that a Challenge 25 policy will be enforced. Those attending are strongly recommend to bring ID if they wish to buy an alcoholic drink. No-one will be allowed to enter the premises with alcohol or any other liquids and entry searches will be in operation. Parking, which must be booked in advance, will be at Falkirk Stadium. A free shuttle bus service will operate between there and the park for customers with mobility issues. The licensing board's depute convener, Cllr Bryan Deakin, said he felt the event 'would be really good for Falkirk'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the board unanimously agreed the application, Councillor Robert Spears said he had 'serious concerns' about the fact the event was taking place while there were 'major roadworks in the locale'. 'I feel that this event will cause major disruption for traffic in the surrounding areas,' he said.
