By RHASS chairman Bill Gray

I am immediately struck that when I read last year's copy for this subject, not much has changed in terms of what we all hope for in 2022. The past year has taught us how quickly things move and the last half of December even more so.

Reflecting on the hugely successful 2021 Royal Highland Showcase gives us even greater impetus to ensure that in 2022, the 200th anniversary of the first Highland Show is one to celebrate. The impact that the show has on our members and rural communities is often understated and as a place to gather and meet, it is an important calendar event. Let’s hope also that local shows – themselves vital to their communities – get a fair run this year and that Agriscot, another well attended event, is able to open its doors in February.

On broader issues, the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities never seem to abate whether it be sustainability, carbon emissions or labour supply for example, and we need to make sure the message that we are part of the solution rather than the problem is communicated loud and clear to the wider consumers and policymakers. We all have a part to play in that.

Finally, lets hope that 2022 sees us come to terms with Covid-19 and allows to move on with our health intact.