EARLY BIRD tickets for the Royal Highland Show – hailed as Scotland’s greatest celebration of food, farming and rural life –have been launched in time for the festive shopping season.

Bargain hunters can snap up the first release of tickets for 2020’s event at 2019 prices ahead of a planned ticket price increase in January.

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland have promised that the 2020 event, taking place from June 18 to 21 at Ingliston, will be 'bigger and better than ever' to mark its 180th anniversary.

With research showing that experiences provide more lasting happiness than objects, organisers are hoping that RHS tickets will top the ‘must-have’ Christmas present list this year. New for this year is a limited-edition laminated souvenir ticket (available for £29.95 plus booking fee) to mark the 180th Show, which comes with a special commemorative lanyard, for those looking for an extra-special gift.

But the standard early bird tickets will cost £24, plus booking fee.

As part of the RHASS’ charitable remit, accompanied children 15 years or younger will continue to attend the show for free.

Commenting on the ticket launch, RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw said: “A significant number of RHS visitors return year after year so we were keen to offer our loyal showgoers the first opportunity to buy at 2019 prices before we increase ticket costs in January."