Sir, – When my mother was alive in the early 1950s, she hired a bus to go to the Highland Show every year. It was always full and she did this until she died.

I was in my early teens and continued to attend the show, which at the time, moved to a different part of the country every year, until it became permanent in Edinburgh. I have never missed a show since.

When I got married, I bought all my family life memberships. This was the only holiday we had in the year and despite having to be always home in time to do the milking, we still attended every day. I am now long retired, but the show is (or was) still the highlight of my year.

In recent years, organisers have asked for financial help for various projects. I decided to sponsor the main gates at the Snowie Bridge. I was also asked to help with the cattle stalls (twice) in the main hall and at the then new MacRobert Pavilion. Once more, I came forward with a good donation for both.

Then, it was the 'Save Our Show' campaign and again I gave a generous donation. I was pleased to receive a letter of thanks for 'Saving the Show' – with my name on a brass plaque in the main hall and a badge to put on my jacket.

It now feels, as if life members are no longer valued (perhaps as membership money has been long paid and spent) and it feels as if we are a bit of a burden to the show.

The committee seem hell-bent on going down the digital route, following everyone else like sheep through a hole in the dyke! All members are being informed that if you don’t go digital, then you are no longer welcome! The English Royal Show went down this route and we all know how that turned out!

The show committee may have some members with titles, they may even have some with brains, but I don’t believe many of them have common sense. I have the following questions for them:

1. Have you not heard of the 'not spots' in rural communities where access to the internet is non-existent or problematic? Can you advise how they will make an online booking?

2. What regard do you have for our older community, who despite knowing how to work the old complicated farm machinery, might not have the required IT skills?

3. Which farmer are you aware of can know what the weather will be like and plan, in advance, the day he will attend the show?

I am very concerned that the Highland Show is heading for disaster in the next few years. I, for one, will be making this my last show, as it feels I am no longer valued or welcomed.

John Colquhoun

2 Trafalgar Court,

Dullatur,

Cumbernauld.