The Royal Highland Show, Scotland’s premier outdoor event, has officially opened its gates at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, drawing an expected crowd of over 200,000 visitors from June 19 to June 22, 2025. This four-day festival is a vibrant celebration of food, farming, rural life, and entertainment, offering a rich tapestry of activities and attractions for all ages.
Children aged 15 and under can attend the daytime show for free when accompanied by a paying adult, making it an ideal family outing. The Show’s extensive program includes traditional agricultural competitions such as sheepshearing, farrier contests, and pole climbing, alongside more modern entertainments like axe throwing and mini Land Rovers. A highlight is the dedicated education hub run by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), featuring interactive experiences such as pizza building, cheese tasting, and sushi rolling. Visitors can also enjoy the Tractor Ted stand, a countryside area with circus performers, and the chance to see over 4,000 livestock animals, including alpacas, donkeys, and horses.
Adding to the festival’s festive atmosphere, the Royal Highland Hoolie, a folk and country music event, will take place on Friday, June 20. The lineup includes fan favorites like The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Manran, Trail West, Nati Dreddd, the Dangleberries, and the high-energy Elephant Sessions, who will close the evening with their unique blend of folk and indie music. On the final day, Sunday, June 22, Innis & Gunn—the Show’s principal beer partner—will host a special entertainment showcase at the Member’s Village from 11 am onwards. This event will feature performances from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, live music from various bands, and captivating magic acts by Edinburgh’s own magician, Elliot Bibby.
The Royal Highland Show is not only a celebration but also the lead fundraising event for the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), supporting Scotland’s rural communities and agricultural sector. Tickets remain available for both the daytime Show and the Royal Highland Hoolie, with combined admission options offered for those wishing to enjoy the full experience.
However, the excitement around the Show has brought challenges for Edinburgh’s motorists and public transport users. On the opening day, severe traffic congestion was reported across major routes leading to the Royal Highland Centre. Traffic Scotland and Lothian issued warnings about significant delays on the A8, M9, M8, and M90 roads. Bus services, including Lothian’s 17, 18, 70, 71, and routes X18 and X19, experienced delays, particularly on the A8 Glasgow Road and A89 Edinburgh Road. Traffic Scotland noted approximately 18-minute delays from the M90 Queensferry Crossing and the M8 near Livingston. Live traffic images showed extensive tailbacks at Newbridge on the M9 and Kirkliston on the M90, with some motorists reporting queuing as early as 6 am. Commuters leaving Edinburgh Airport also faced difficulties due to the lack of traffic allowances for airport traffic amid the Highland Show influx.
In parallel with the Show, a full council meeting is scheduled at Edinburgh’s City Chambers on June 19. Among the agenda items is the discussion of the Dunion Report, which reviews how complaints about the former Council Leader were handled. The meeting will also feature 22 urgent questions posed by councillors, about half directed to the Transport and Environment Convener. Notably, the Education Convener will be questioned regarding the council’s substantial financial involvement with Canongate Youth, a local organization that has recently made six staff members redundant.
Looking ahead, the Edinburgh Climate Festival will return to The Meadows on Saturday, June 28, from noon until 7 pm. Organized by the Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council (ELREC), the free festival aims to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable living through live performances, stalls, and activities for all ages. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves in nature and well-being to foster resilience and collective action for climate justice and systemic change. A spokesperson for the festival explained, “To create meaningful change, we must first root ourselves—grounding in who we are, reconnecting with nature, and prioritising our well-being. Just as strong roots support a thriving tree, a deep connection to ourselves and the earth allows us to rise with strength and purpose.”
In recognition of outstanding contributions to accessibility and inclusion, Kiki MacDonald was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Kiki co-founded Euan’s Guide with her late brother Euan MacDonald MBE, who passed away last year. Euan’s Guide, launched in 2013, is an award-winning disabled access review website that now assists tens of thousands of disabled people in finding accessible places with confidence. The charity was born out of the siblings’ frustration with the lack of reliable disabled access information. Kiki expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m thrilled to receive this award which is a recognition of everyone behind Euan’s Guide: our incredible team, passionate reviewers, community of supporters and of course my family especially my dear brother, and co-founder Euan. Even though Euan very sadly passed last year his legacy lives on through Euan’s Guide, Speak Unique and the Euan MacDonald Research Centre for MND. I know Euan would be proud of this award today which I dedicate to him.”
Meanwhile, Lismore Rugby Football Club (RFC) is inviting adults to join their inclusive and supportive training sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Interested individuals can contact the club via [email protected] for more details.
Adding a political dimension to the day’s events, First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to attend the Royal Highland Show on June 19 to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to farmers. Swinney emphasized the government’s support by stating, “Here in Scotland, we are committed to maintaining reformed direct payments, supporting sustainable food production and providing vital stability to our rural communities.” His presence underscores the importance of agriculture to Scotland’s economy and rural wellbeing.
Preparations for the Royal Highland Show were visible well before the gates opened, with cattle being washed and readied in Edinburgh on June 18, ensuring the livestock were in prime condition for the competitions and displays.
As the Royal Highland Show continues through the weekend, it promises to be a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and community spirit, showcasing Scotland’s rich agricultural heritage and vibrant rural life. While traffic challenges pose some inconvenience, the event’s diverse offerings—from traditional farming demonstrations to cutting-edge entertainment and community initiatives—make it a highlight of the Scottish calendar.
