The RHASS (Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland) has announced that this year's Royal Highland Show will go ahead without the poultry classes. The RHASS Board made the decision based on information from the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) and discussions within the industry.

 "First and foremost we have a responsibility to protect the health of all animals and we believe any risk, however slight, has to be taken seriously." says David Jackson, Show Manager. "This is a priority, not only for animals attending the Royal Highland Show but also for the wider industry.

 "Clearly this decision has not been taken lightly. We work in the best interests of the industry and feel this is the sensible approach. We trust the industry and exhibitors will fully support our decision based solely on protecting their animals.

 "It is important to stress that the poultry sector will continue to be represented in a range of formats around the showground, including incubators, hatching and chicks, with the necessary bio security measures in place.

 "We have an outstanding entry of livestock heading to the show this year, yet again, demonstrating the prestige this event holds within the farming community and we look forward to welcoming the poultry classes back in 2018," he concludes.