The Royal Highland Show

I've spent part of the past week working at the Royal Highland Show on the Soil Association Scotland stand. The show is a large agricultural show, with livestock competitions, acres of farm machinery, stands from organisations such as the Soil Association, a Food Hall and other food stalls (though not with particularly good choices for the vegetarian) and craft stalls.

This year there were a good number of renewable energy companies displaying their wares (this section of the show is growing every year apparently). I was impressed most by the company that works on individual homes and businesses building up their individual solutions to include solar, biomass and wind on a small scale and fitting in with the local environment.

I was most impressed by the Co-op Plan Bee exhibition which had an interactive display to encourage children to understand the importance and beauty of bees.

I also loved a lot of the crafts, there was a particularly impressive display of glass crafts. I was also very tempted to buy a watch made with repurposed vintage jewellery by Louise Pringle.

I also discovered a new favourite sheep breed, the Zwartbles. My other favourite sheep breed is the Ryeland, a traditional British breed, which can be seen at Gorgie City Farm.