PERTH SHOW has secured a prestigious double as it prepares to host two national cattle shows this year.

The event, which takes place at the city’s South Inch on August 4 and 5, will feature the national Highland Cattle Gathering and the Scottish National Simmental Show, both of which look likely to attract the country’s largest gatherings of each breed this year.

Perth Show secretary Neil Forbes said securing the two national shows in the one year was a “terrific achievement”.

“We’re thrilled to be able to host these two crowd-pleasers,” he said. “Both national events are staged at county shows around the country and Perth is delighted to welcome back the Scottish National Simmental Show in its landmark 10th year, having previously hosted the event on it’s first and fifth anniversaries.”

The biennial Highland Cattle Gathering was first staged at the Black Isle in 2015 and Perth Show reckons it has scored a “cattle coup” by securing the second national event.

“Highland Cattle are always hugely popular with the crowds at Perth Show,” said Neil. “We would expect to see some of the finest cattle in the country on show at Perth in the National Gathering – hopefully including some from The Queen’s fold at Balmoral Estate.”

Show chairman Peter Stewart said the two cattle shows would help turn the national farming spotlight on Perth this August: “Both will bring business to the city and crowds to Perth Show,” he said, “with many involved opting to stay locally for the whole weekend.

“Both the Simmental and Highland Cattle gathering organisers have chosen Perth Show for their 2017 event because they know we host such events extremely well and we’re delighted to welcome them as a key part of this year’s offering.”