An engaging educational programme focused on food, farming and rural life will be delivered to more than 30,000 school children during this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Building on success in previous years, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) said it will aim to inspire – and entertain – the younger generations over the event’s four-day duration.
RHET’s programme, which will be delivered to more than 300 school groups, will offer a diverse range of bookable and “drop in” workshops and events.
Opening up the entire showground for educational benefit, the livestock, machinery and top Scottish food and drink produce will all take centre stage in RHET’s busy syllabus – spiralling out from its base in the Discovery Centre on Avenue Q of the Ingliston site.
Grain grinding, oil seed pressing and scone baking are just three of the hands-on topics on offer to teach learners about the life cycle of cereals, while the honey tent will also host honey and candle-making activities.
Three mini-activities, themed around potatoes, will introduce primary-aged pupils to how potatoes grow, what happens to them in a packing factory and why they taste so good.
Interactive workshops will also bring the story of farmed salmon to life, highlighting the growth of aquaculture as a sustainable food production system for Scotland.
Marine scientists will be on hand to explore the depth of their work and visitors can try some fresh, local seafood and learn about potential career paths.
Further sessions, hosted by the RSPB, will showcase Scotland’s carried habitats and the birds that call them home, giving pupils an understanding of how to “give nature a home” back when they return to the classroom.
“We are very much looking forward to this year’s education programme,” said RHET communications officer Fraser Dunn.
“With the Discovery Centre’s recent refurbishment, along with the help of new and returning volunteers, we are hopeful that school groups and visitors alike will have a fantastic time at the show.”
The Royal Highland Show takes place on June 22-25.