One of Scotland’s leading farming events looks set to a bigger and better event with a Royal visitor and an increased number of trade stands to the one-day show at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, next week.

The Royal Northern Spring Show, which takes place on Wednesday, March 1, will be visited by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who will make her sixth visit since becoming patron of event organiser the Royal Northern Agricultural Society in 1995 when she succeeded Her late Majesty, The Queen.

Widely regarded as heralding the start of the year’s agricultural show calendar, this year' Royal Northern Spring Show, has again attracted some of the best exhibition and carcase cattle from across the country, along with quality entries for the breeding and prime hoggs, cereals, hay and silage and root competitions.

Michael Alford, Foxhill Farm, Devon, is set to judge the 24 exhibition bullocks and 31 heifers, which will be sold live and online from 2:30pm.

The event, sponsored by Serco NorthLink Ferries, also includes a show and sale of pedigree bulls sponsored by SBP Accountants and Advisers. Gordon Mackay from Upper Ardnagrask, Muir of Ord is set to judge the pedigree bulls and females, which will see some 25 Charolais, 25 Limousin, 22 Simmental, seven Aberdeen Angus and four British Blue/Shorthorn bulls put through their paces along with seven females.

Commenting on the forthcoming event, RNAS president Billy Stewart said: “We are honoured to be joined by our distinguished patron for our 2023 event and we are sure that her presence will be welcomed by participants and visitors alike.

“Her Royal Highness takes a keen interest in the RNAS and its work, and we look forward to sharing with her a day which will celebrate the very best of our sector.”

He added: “Working in collaboration with the ANM Group, sponsors, supporters, exhibitors and many others, we look forward to the return of this important showcase for agriculture and we look forward to a successful, memorable and productive day for all concerned.”

Grant Rogerson, chief executive ANM Group said: “We will be delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to Thainstone Centre at the Spring Show. The Royal Family have always shown great interest in the agricultural industry and The Princess Royal is a fantastic advocate for the sector.”