‘More than Hogmanay’ – independent report finds Royal Highland Show contributes more to Edinburgh’s economy than Hogmanay celebrations

Held each June, the Royal Highland Show attracts around 200,000 visitors over four days to celebrate the best of Scottish food, farming and country life.

Appealing to both rural and urban audiences, the show is a major marketing platform for producers, exhibitors and businesses from across Scotland and the UK.

It was placed in England at St Royal Highland CentreUp to 6,000 animals compete at the Royal Highland Show, as well as other attractions including a food and drink hall, Scottish Pantry, sheep shearing, musical entertainment, country crafts, forestry, show jumping, cars and educational programmes.

Each year a different animal is exhibited, including sheep, cattle, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys and birds.

With an average visitor spend of £147, the show is a key selling opportunity for exhibitors.

Visitors spent more on accommodation (21 per cent) than any other expenditure category, with overnight visitors typically staying in Edinburgh for 2.5 nights.

This is followed by on-site food and beverage costs and other expenses (both 19 percent).

These other costs include the purchase of farm equipment.

This is the first time that the economic impact of the exhibition has been evaluated on a comparative basis with the Edinburgh Festival.

Conducted by BOP Consulting, it found the show generated an additional £39.5m in Edinburgh, equivalent to 674 full-time equivalents (FTEs).

The show has a wide reach, with 74 per cent of visitors coming from across Scotland.

RHASS Chief Operating Officer Mark Currie commented: “The economic impact and reach of the Royal Highland Show is significant and this report demonstrates the importance of the show as one of the largest and best attended events in Scotland.

“Visitors and exhibitors come from far and wide to connect, enjoy, sell and buy, and it is widely recognized as the best platform for rural Scottish businesses in the country.”

He continued: “We are fortunate to have a loyal and engaged audience, which is only growing as the show becomes a truly global event – this year over 200,000 people from around the world tuned in to watch the show online.”

The very first Highland Show was held in 1822 and celebrated its 200th anniversary this year.

The Royal Highland Show 2023 will be held from 22nd to 25th June 2023.

For more information, visit royalhighlandshow.org