FOLLOWING the cancellation of this year's Royal Highland Show, it has been confirmed that the intended 'host' region of the 2020 event, Dumfries and Galloway, will roll over to be the host region of next year's show, which is due to take place June 17 to 20, 2021.

As RHASS honorary president, broadcaster and Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, welcomed the news: “We would like to thank the RHASS for their generosity in allowing this to happen. A chance like only comes around every eight years.

“We had ambitious plans to highlight the region and it would have been a great shame if those had come to nothing," said Ms Armstrong.

“This year’s show was a ‘virtual’ one – and very successful. Next year’s will hopefully be the real deal allowing us to showcase D and G as a place of excellence for its food, farming, coast, countryside, art, culture, heritage and tourism.

“We are looking forward to the region’s much-loved Belties having a starring role.”

The rolled-over presidential team includes vice presidents all of whom have business and farming experience in the region – Alasdair Houston, Alistair Marshall, Hugh Ramsay and Percy Weatherall. They are supported by RHASS regional directors: Ian Beck, Matthew Currie, James Dunlop, Jim Hastings, Heather Wildman and Liz Vance, with John Mackie and Lorraine Mair, whilst Alex Cairns is chaplain.