Continuing fears over the threat of avian flu means there will be no poultry classes at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
The decision was taken by show organisers the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) after discussions with the industry, based on information from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Show manager David Jackson called on the industry and exhibitors to support the decision which, he said, was made solely on the need to protect livestock.
“First and foremost we have a responsibility to protect the health of all animals and we believe any risk, however slight, has to be taken seriously,” he said.
“This is a priority, not only for animals attending the Royal Highland Show but also for the wider industry.”
Mr Jackson emphasised that the poultry sector would continue to be represented in a range of formats around the showground, including incubators, hatching and chicks. All the necessary biosecurity measures will be in place.
He added: “We have an outstanding entry of livestock heading to the show this year, yet again demonstrating the prestige this event holds within the farming community and we look forward to welcoming the poultry classes back in 2018.”
The Highland Show takes place on June 22-25.