Farmers and horse enthusiasts from across the north and north-east are getting ready to compete their beasts at the Turriff Show with some of the Queen’s own cattle in the running for a hallowed rosette.
The show, which takes place tomorrow and Monday in the Haughs, Turriff, will be a platform for livestock and horse owners to battle it out for the array of accolades on offer.
All eyes will be on the main ring on Monday when the Queen will present the top accolade of Champion of Champions.
The coveted award will be contested by the champion sheep, cow and horse, which will be decided earlier in the show following all the different competition classes for each animal.
It could even be awarded to one of the Queen’s own cattle, with some of the cattle from her renowned Balmoral herd to compete at the show.
Her five-year-old bull – Ruaridh 1st of Ubhaidh – was crowned Highland breed champion at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh in June.
Turriff Show president Bruce Ferguson said he was delighted the Queen will be attending the show, now in its 150th year.
Me Ferguson said: “It’s brilliant not just for the show but also for Turriff and district.
“The Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire James Ingleby and his predecessor Angus Farquharson thought that the Queen would enjoy a visit since there’s so much going on at the Turriff Show.”
The Queen will attend the show on Monday where she will meet a group of people who currently work on or have worked on the show in the past.
She will be given a guided tour of the showground, before heading back to the main ring to present the Champion of Champions title.
As well as providing a platform for the finest livestock and horses from across the north-east, the show will also feature a special ‘March of Time’ showcase to illustrate how agricultural machinery has advanced from horses and hand-tools to modern day equipment.
The Turriff Show is also one of the official events as part of the Homecoming Scotland 2014 celebrations.
There will be cookery demonstrations from Press and Journal columnist Lady Claire Macdonald, as well as butcher demonstrations from Charlie and Gary Raeburn of Forbes Raeburn, Huntly.
Musical entertainment includes Turriff & District Pipe Band’s contest tomorrow , and performances from the Turriff Junior Band on Monday.
Gates for the show open at 7am each day with tickets costing £13 for adults, £10 for concessions and students and free for children under 12. Car parking costs £3.