STIRLING is now home to the British Horse Society first ever Scottish Hub, which has been opened by the society's Vice-Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The new Scottish Hub is based at the Stirling Agricultural Centre, home to many rural organisations and activities including the famous Stirling bull sales. Princess Anne unveiled a plaque to mark the facility's opening.

The BHS is the largest equestrian charity in Scotland and the opening of the Hub will, it said, provide a base for its members, volunteers, stakeholders, and supporters in Scotland and the north of England to experience and champion best practice equestrianism.

During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal saw a demonstration from Police Scotland Mounted Branch which works with the society on Operation ‘Lose the Blinkers'. The collaborative campaign is directed at all road users with the aim of reducing injuries and deaths because of vehicles passing too close or too fast to ridden or driven horses.

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The event also included a display by the Pipe Band, and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who work closely with the society. Others in attendance to celebrate the grand opening were members of the Moredun Foundation which the BHS funds to support research into equine grass sickness.

National Manager in Scotland for the BHS, Helene Mauchlen, said: “This is a huge step forward for the BHS with most legislation pertaining to the horse and equestrianism being devolved to the Scottish Government. By opening a new Operational Hub in Scotland, the BHS is accommodating a four-nation approach. It is a privilege and honour to have our Vice-Patron HRH here in Scotland to see the work of the BHS and to meet our members, volunteers, supporters, and stakeholders.”

The Princess Royal also presented five BHS Awards to BHS volunteers and stakeholders for their contributions to the society. The Scottish Hub will be open every Wednesday to BHS members, volunteers, and supporters. To find out more about the BHS and their work in Scotland visit bhs.org.uk/Scotland