The Royal Northern Agricultural Society has decided to postpone its Countryside Live 2020 event.

The decision has been taken in conjunction with event hosts, Mackies of Scotland, in the light of the growing threat of coronavirus.

Countryside Live had been scheduled to take place at Westertown, Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday, May 31, followed by a second day for school visits on June 1.

The event, intended to promote farming, food production and the countryside to the general public, will now take place on May 30 and 31 next year, 2021.

“It looks as if coronavirus is going to be with us for some time and our office-bearers feel it would be inappropriate to go ahead with the event on a farm producing milk, ice-cream and chocolate for human consumption,” said event convener, Louise Mutch.

“It was decided the decision should be taken now to give sponsors, potential trade stand exhibitors and schools adequate notice.”