The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is expected to reduce its staff numbers as part of ongoing cost-cutting efforts.

The society's most recent financial accounts revealed that expenditure significantly exceeded income. Consequently, the board of directors has intensifying efforts to return the organisation to profitability, which includes a comprehensive review of all expenditures. These job losses follow the departure of RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw last month.

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A spokesperson for RHASS said: “The Society has faced ongoing significant financial challenges since the pandemic. The wider economic environment remains challenging, with increased costs for suppliers, energy, and labour, as well as high interest rates.

“A plan has been developed to secure a sustainable future for the Society, with a focus on its charitable mission through the Royal Highland Show and its wholly owned trading subsidiary, Highland Centre Ltd, which generates income. Unfortunately, this plan means that a number of roles within the Society are at risk of redundancy.”