North-east arts and crafts enthusiasts are being encouraged to submit entries for the handcrafts section at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Show president Lord Aberdeen is calling for people from across the region to put forward their crafts for judging at the show to coincide with the Aberdeen region’s presidency of the event in 2017.
Highland Show organisers, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), have selected the Aberdeen region to lead its presidential team.
Lord Aberdeen of Haddo Estate has been appointed president and his four vice-presidents are: Jim Brown, of Holmfield, Fettercairn; Neil Godsman, of Auchlee Farms, Longside, Peterhead; Sir Moir Lockhead, of Glassel Farms, Torphins, and Alastair Macphie, Glenbervie Estate and Farm.
Together with the help of other RHASS directors form the region, the team is planning to promote the food, drink and tourism industries of the north-east via a special exhibit at the show.
They have also confirmed plans to donate a special prize for the highest-placed entry from Aberdeenshire in the handcrafts section at the show.
Lord Aberdeen said: “This year’s president’s initiative is about encapsulating all that Aberdeenshire has to offer not only in our agriculture but also food and drink, distilleries, tourist attractions, golf, our coastline and more.
“As part of this we are aware of all the talented art and crafty types who we think would enjoy entering this competition. We are delighted to offer a special prize to the highest placed exhibit from the area.”
Scottish Women’s Institute senior vice-president, Linda Reston, said: “The offer of a prize for Aberdeenshire entries is very generous. Anything that encourages members to enter the handcrafts competitions at the Royal Highland Show is welcome.”
All entries for the handcrafts section must be received by the Highland Show organisers by Friday April 21.
The show takes place on June 22-25.