The organisers of the Royal Highland Show (RHS) are seeking £2 million in donations, following the cancellation of this year’s event due to the global health pandemic.
The Save Your Show appeal sets out RHASS’ ambition to fulfil its charitable remit, which includes the RHS, against a backdrop of a £6m reduction in its 2020 income due to COVID-19.
While there is a clear determination amongst RHASS directors to deliver the 2021 show, the Society is also intent on ensuring it is in a strong financial position to mark the 200th-anniversary show and the Golden Shears World Shearing Championship in June 2022.
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) directors have confirmed that the 2021 show will go ahead with “external financial support”.
The society, through its campaign, is calling for individual and corporate donations to allow it to plan ahead as far as 2022, confident that funding is in place.
‘We need financial support to secure the charity’s future’
RHASS Chairman, Bill Gray explained, “Since the first show in 1822, the RHS has grown into an event that delivers significant benefits for the sector, both financially and personally.”
“As directors, we feel a huge sense of responsibility to keep the show going, but we need financial support to secure the charity’s future and to ensure that the Royal Highland Show continues for many years to come.”
‘Need the whole industry to get behind the campaign to make sure we succeed’
Chief executive, Alan Laidlaw commented: “We are actively pursuing revenue-generating activities alongside support offered by the Scottish and UK Governments.”
“However, the reality is stark and we need to be realistic as to what we can achieve without external financial support from our members and the wider industry.”
“As a charity, we have a duty to maximise the impact of our activities in rural Scotland, giving those who we know care deeply about the show and our work, the opportunity to support the organisation, when we need help.”
“We are proud of what we achieve and need the whole industry to get behind the campaign to make sure we succeed.” Laidlaw concluded.
