The 176th Royal Highland Show will get underway on Thursday 23 June. Over four days, the best of farming, food and rural life in Scotland will be on show at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre.

From the livestock competitions to the action-packed entertainment arenas via the equestrian events, there are hundreds of reasons to visit. And, of course, if you are in the market for a new combine harvester then the UK’s widest selection will be on display here.

Artisan producers

For the purposes of the 5pm Dining blog, it is the food and drink offer that interests us the most. At the heart of the show is the Scotland’s Larder Live! Over a hundred exhibitors will showcase a diverse range of food and drink, with artisan producers sharing centre stage with larger food and drink brands.

The Cookery Theatre in Scotland’s Larder Live! will present a rolling programme of demonstrations and talks from top chefs, including David Haetzman, John Rutter and David Barnett. The Tastings & Talks Theatre will also provide a unique insight into artisan produce as the producers themselves take to the stage to tell their stories.

Local produce

A wide variety of food-to-go providers will be on hand to offer up a tasty selection of hot and cold food across the 110 acre showground. From fresh Scottish seafood and buffalo burgers to salads, wraps and hot soup, these caterers will all be adhering to the Show’s own food charter, which states that, where possible, only ingredients that have been locally produced and ethically sourced should be served at the event.

Commenting on the popularity of food and drink at the Show, Show Manager, David Jackson, said: ‘A staggering 90% of our visitors list food as an important part of their experience at the show. After a successful refresh last year, Scotland’s Larder Live! will once again provide a tempting reason to visit the Show.

‘The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s largest event that links together the farmer and the food producer, and so show goers are provided with a unique opportunity to taste, discover and learn about the best produce the country has to offer.’

New bars

There have been some changes to the ever popular bars and licensed premises at this year’s show.

In a nod to the gin revolution sweeping the country right now, new bar The Botanical Garden, run by award winning Edinburgh catering company Hickory, will provide a juniper lover’s sanctuary in the south east of the showground. Offering a range of artisan Scottish gins and mixologists in one section, and craft beers and live music in the other, this is set to be a popular hangout in secret garden surroundings.

The Stetson, the Show’s first country music themed bar and licensed food outlet, will sit behind the Lowland Hall. Managed by Gilchrist’s, the people who run the popular Merry Monk bar on 4th Avenue, and, with a capacity of 1000, there will be plenty of room for line dancing when the live country music starts up.

Kids go free

It’s worth noting that children aged 15 or under will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Having a family day out at The Royal Highland Show need not break the bank.