WITH 'deep regret', the Border Union Agricultural Society directors have announced the cancellation of the 2020 Border Union Show, which was due to be held on July 24 and 25.

The announcement read: "We take our public health responsibilities very seriously and with the Government advising against attending mass gatherings and further action relating to social distancing and self-isolation, the s felt there was no other option in the interest of protecting all our exhibitors, competitors, visitors, directors, members, partners and volunteers during this period of national public health uncertainty."

Society chairman, Ian Fleming, said: "The society is deeply disappointed that we have had to make the decision to cancel this important society event. However, as a responsible event organiser, we fully understand the need to work together to minimise the spread of this pandemic. We are extremely gratefully to all our stakeholders, members, visitors and partners for their support of the show, but your safety is our prime concern.”

Executive director Mags Clark added: “Cancelling any event is never an easy decision to make but we truly believe, in the current climate, this is the right action to take. We would like to thank all our competitors, exhibitors, members, sponsors, trade stand holders, visitors and volunteers for all their support, understanding and patience during this uncertain time for the industry and the country as a whole.”

Attention now turns to 2021, when BUAS hopes to welcome everyone back to the Borders Events Centre in Kelso on July 30 and 31.