Sheep entries to next month’s Royal Highland Show are at an eight-year high, according to organisers.
Scotland’s largest agricultural organisation – the Royal Highland Agricultural Society for Scotland – is expecting nearly 7,000 animals to the show in Ingliston, Edinburgh next month.
The four-day show, now in its 174th year, kicks off on Thursday June 19.
Livestock entries are up across the board with nearly 1,000 beef and dairy cattle expected to fill the Highland Hall and nearly 1,900 sheep due to set up camp in the five marquee sections in the north of the showground.
Sheep numbers are up by 100 to reach an 8-year high, with 231 Beltex entries forward – up by 21 on last year – and 77 Hebridean sheep entered, up by 38 on 2013.
Chief steward for sheep, James Cullens, said the increased sheep entries reflected trends in the industry.
“The Beltex is a breed that’s been around for a while now, but in recent times it has become more suited to the British landscape, hence its popularity,” said Mr Cullens.
“In terms of the Hebridean, it’s a slightly niche breed, but no doubt about it, it’s starting to tick boxes and is becoming well known. The fact that the breeders tend to be really enthusiastic helps the breed immensely.”
The most represented cattle breed is Limousins with 123 entries forward – up from 102 in 2013.
Entries of Scottish breeds are also up with both Belted Galloway and Highland entries up to 28 and 95 respectively.
In the equestrian classes, horse entries have also increased with entries in the heavy and light horse sections up by 102 to 1,713.
The most popular section is the Mounted and Moorland Ridden classes with 212 entries, while the Coloured Horse section has seen entries rise by 33 to 178.
RHASS chief executive Stephen Hutt said: “The numbers speak for themselves and reflect the widely held view that the Highland is the place to exhibit, and hopefully, win.
“And winning is no mean feat, with the very best calibre on livestock on show. The Royal Highland Show 2014 is shaping up to be an outstanding year.”