PERTH SHOW takes to the screen this Saturday, August 7, with nearly 300 entries competing in its virtual livestock showring.

For the first time ever, the public will be able to get involved in the judging as they select their favourite from the parade of champions.

"We're delighted to be able to bring people a flavour of the real thing with an online show that will see prime livestock, horses and pets compete from all over Scotland," said show secretary Neil Forbes.

"Sometimes, however, the public don't agree with our judges so this year the virtual offering gives them a chance to have their say and pick the first ever Perth Show People's Champion."

The public vote will take place online on the Perth Show website from Monday until the following Saturday with votes cast being counted and the winner announced thereafter. People will select their favourite from the section champion line-up featuring the best in cattle, sheep, donkeys, horses, heavy horses and goats – and those casting their vote will go into a prize draw for a family ticket to next year's Perth Show.

"It's a bit of fun and a great way to involve everyone who hopefully logs in to watch the Show on Saturday," said Neil. "Our panel of highly experienced judges will select their Champion of Champions on the day but it remains to be seen if the public agree with their choice."

Entries for this year's virtual Show have come from as far afield as the Western Isles and organisers are delighted with the response to all classes.

"Entries are up on last year's virtual event numbers with sheep classes proving the most popular," said Neil, "but we have a good showing of cattle, horses, donkeys and goats and a healthy entry for our dog show as well."

While the popular event has been forced to go online for a second year, organisers were keen to give a nod to the normal South Inch setting.

The 'voice of Perth Show', John Morison, will be at the Perth parkland on Saturday as usual to officially open the event at 9.30am. This will be live streamed to mark the start of the online judging.

"Although the South Inch will again be devoid of the thousands of visitors, livestock and trade stands which traditionally feature on the first Saturday of August, we wanted to have some symbolic presence there which others could watch online," said Perth Show chairman Mark Mitchell, who added that the site would also be used for another key part of the show programme – the presentation of Long Service Awards.

"This will see Perth Show Patron John MacGregor of Binn Group present these awards to Perthshire farming community's longest serving workers. This is a ceremony we wanted to stage at the South Inch and it will also be live streamed at 12pm."

Mark pointed out the time and effort involved in getting livestock 'show ready' and urged people to tune in and lend their support.

"Online viewers will be able to see all their favourites," he said, "from the magnificent heavy horses in their full harness to the delightful tiny Shetland ponies and the enchanting pygmy goats to the beautifully groomed cattle. With the support of generous sponsors and a hard-working team we have pulled together an online event which we hope farmers and the general public will all enjoy.

"This online offering will keep the name of Perth Show alive in people's minds until we can hopefully all be together again next summer on the South Inch for our normal two-day agricultural showcase which brings the country to the city in an event that offers something for everyone."

View Saturday's event at: www.perthshow.co.uk