Crowds expected after cattle coup
Prestigious agricultural double at Perth Show
The Fair City’s annual agricultural showcase has secured a prestigious double as it prepares to host two national cattle shows.
This year’s Perth Show, which takes place at the city’s South Inch on August 4 and 5, will feature the national Highland Cattle Gathering and the Scottish National Simmental Show – with both certain to attract the country’s largest gatherings of the popular breeds this year.
Perth Show secretary Neil Forbes said securing the two national cattle shows in the one year was a “terrific achievement”.
“We’re thrilled to be able to host these two crowd-pleasers,” he said.
“Both national events are staged at county shows around the country and Perth is delighted to welcome back the Scottish National Simmental Show in its landmark 10th year, having previously hosted the event on it’s first and fifth anniversaries.”
The biennial Highland Cattle Gathering was first staged at the Black Isle in 2015 and Perth Show is celebrating a “cattle coup” by securing the second national event.
“Highland Cattle are always hugely popular with the crowds at Perth Show,” said Neil.
“We would expect to see some of the finest cattle in the country on show at Perth in the National Gathering – hopefully including some from The Queen’s fold at Balmoral Estate.”
Show chairman Peter Stewart said the two cattle shows would help turn the national farming spotlight on Perth this August.
“Both will bring business to the city and crowds to Perth Show,” he said, adding: “with many involved opting to stay locally for the whole weekend.
“Both the Simmental and Highland Cattle gathering organisers have chosen Perth Show for their 2017 event because they know we host such events extremely well and we’re delighted to welcome them as a key part of this year’s offering.”
Sian Sharp, secretary of the Highland Cattle Society, said they were delighted to host their second Highland Gathering at Perth Show.
“The success of our inaugural gathering at the Black Isle Show two years ago has seen county shows from all over the country clamouring to host the event in the future,” she said.
“This event will give our members a chance to interact with the public and promote the many attributes of these cattle,” added Sian.
“The event organisers have a programme of evening entertainment for our members and sponsors and everyone is looking forward to a great event.”
Show chairman Peter Stewart with Perthshire Agricultural Society secretary Neil Forbes and some Highland Cattle from the Scone Palace-based Thaggnam Herd, owned by Alun Garton