Hopes that at least one major agricultural event would be able to take place in Scotland this year have been dashed, with the announcement AgriScot 2020 has been cancelled.
Because the show was not scheduled to take place until November, AgriScot directors remained optimistic until recent weeks that the event would be able to take place, even if not quite in the usual format.
However, despite best efforts for the show to go on the decision to cancel the live event was announced following a board meeting today (July 22).
Speaking after the meeting, AgriScot chairman Robert Neill stated: “Covid-19 lockdown has thankfully eased over recent weeks and whilst restrictions over small scale meetings and social gatherings have reduced, there remains significant uncertainty and risk relating to large scale indoor events such as AgriScot.
“We recognise that a socially distanced or restricted event cannot deliver the same benefits for visitors and exhibitors. Lead-in timescales determine that we could no longer delay a decision regarding November’s event, and therefore, today made the sad decision to cancel.
Having carefully considered the matter, we do not believe that a virtual AgriScot in 2020 could adequately replace the face-to-face business event format. However, we do intend to mark this year’s date with online activity. More details will be released in due course.
“AgriScot is a hugely successful annual event, which has experienced significant growth, particularly in terms of visitor numbers and the value placed on it by visitors and trade exhibitors alike.
“I and my fellow directors believe that we can return in 2021 with an even better AgriScot for this new decade.”
The 2020 show was scheduled to take place on November 18.
Held at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, AgriScot is one of Scotland’s most popular winter agricultural shows attracting almost 12,000 farmers.
Formerly known as DairyScot, because of its focus on the dairy sector, the show celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.
