The Black Isle Show is the latest agricultural event to fall victim to coronavirus.
The show, which is the largest event of its kind in the north of Scotland, had been scheduled to take place on August 5-6.
However, show president, Frieda McKenzie, confirmed the “sad but inevitable decision” had been taken to cancel this year’s event.
“We enjoy and relish staging such an important and popular event for the Highlands but for this year with a most exceptional set of circumstances we have a responsibility to protect our exhibitors, traders, guests and the general public from such an unknown and devastating disease,” she said.
Show secretary, Rod Mackenzie, said the decision to cancel the event could have been taken four weeks ago but the Black Isle Farmers’ Society, which organises the event, had hoped the Covid-19 situation would improve in time.
He said: “My optimism was buoyed on by encouragement and enthusiasm from exhibitors, trade stand holders and regular attendees who set a huge emphasis on Black Isle Show as a shop window and trading platform for their goods, products and services.
“Like every other year planning for the next year’s show never halts but instead of 12 months preparation there will be 15 months instead.”
The date for next year’s show is Thursday, August 5, 2021, with a preview evening the night before.