Who is a handsome boy? Scotland's livestock will be suited and booted for the 178th Royal Highland Show.

Forget the World Cup. The only competition worth mentioning this week is the judging of the Highland coos at the Royal Highland Show.

The 178th Royal Highland Show takes place in the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th June.

As always, the popular event promises to offer the best of Scotland’s farming, food and rural life.

Last year, 190,000 people attended the show and organiser expect similar numbers this year.

One of the biggest draws are the farm animals and horses. Some 6,000 of the finest cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry are heading for the Ingliston showground this weekend.

In addition, there will a massive variety of live music across two stages; lots of shopping opportunities; bird of prey displays, sheep shearing competitions and the Scottish Sheepdog School are returning with the Quack Commandos road show. Who doesn't want to watch Border Collies herding a flock of Indian Runner Ducks?

And, of course, if you are  the market for a new combine harvester then you have come to the right place.

Discover the countryside

Arguably one of the most important facets of the Royal Highland Show is the RHET discovery centre. This is where young 'uns can discover a little about the countryside and learn where their food comes from.

Those of us who think with our stomachs will most likely be found wandering Scotland’s Larder Live, the country’s biggest exhibition of food and drink.

Along with lots of top chef demos, the Tasting and Talk Theatre will give visitors the opportunity to hear from producers about how they produce their food; taste it and ask questions about the farm to fork journey.

Featuring a range of delicious artisan cheeses from across Scotland, the Cheese Tasting Pop-up will be popular.

Royal Highland Show: food-to-go

Obviously, no-one will be going hungry. Not least because of the wide variety of food-to-go vendors across the 110-acre site.

From venison burger slingers to wood-fired pizza chefs, all these caterers will all be adhering to the Royal Highland Show’s highly respected Food Charter which states, among other commitments, that, where possible, only ingredients that have been locally produced and ethically sourced should be served at the event.

Tickets and more info from here. Remember, children aged 15 and under go free with an accompanying adult.

The best of Scotland's food and drink will be on display at the Royal Highland Show.