The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has presented an award to the value of £6000 to the Clydesdale Horse Society in support of its celebration of the history of Clydesdales.

Centred around this year’s Royal Highland Show, the CHS will stage a spectacular Main Ring display on the Friday of the show, as well as an exhibition of traditional agricultural implements within the showground during the four-day event.

With a charitable remit to promote the interests of the farming and rural industries, RHASS is providing free exhibition space on the showground as well as financial support to enable the production of exhibition boards with information on the breed and its contribution to farming through the ages.

More than 40 horses will take part in the Main Ring display, along with a selection of traditional farm equipment powered by the Clydesdale in years gone by. The display will also celebrate some of the more modern uses of this very versatile horse and it promises to be a spectacular sight.

Commenting on the award, RHASS chairman Jimmy Warnock said: “The Heavy Horses are always a crowd pleaser, but this display will be something altogether more special. The power these animals possess is awe inspiring but what is often overlooked is the contribution these animals have made in farming and food production. It fits with RHASS’ charitable remit to mark this important milestone.”

CHS president Jim Rochead said: “Over many years the sight of Clydesdale Horses, most notably in driving classes in the main ring of the four days of the Royal Highland Show, has brought large crowds to spectate and to enjoy these beautiful and elegant animals compete.

“Fife-based Benny Duncan and long-standing member George Skinner, from Aberdeenshire, have devised a tremendous programme to celebrate, not only the history of the Clydesdale Horse, but also that of Scottish farming itself. The Clydesdale Horse Society is delighted to have collaborated with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland to bring this very special event to this year’s Highland Show.”

The event will take place in the main ring on Friday June 21 at 4.15pm. The display of farm equipment will be located on The Green (behind rings 16 and 17).

Jim added: “Our trade stand will also be much extended this year to act as host to a significant number of agricultural and other implements which, in days gone by, Clydesdale horses were well accustomed to working with, predominantly in the fields of our land.”