Just under 200,000 people attended last year and organisers expect a similar turnout over the event's four day run this week.

A showcase for the finest displays of Scotland's livestock, machinery, produce and rural life, the Royal Highland Show runs from Thursday 20th June to Sunday 23rd June and is held at the Royal Highland Centre, just outside of Edinburgh city centre.

Over the four days, the Royal Highland Show plays host to over 900 competitions with more than 2150 livestock exhibitors showing some 6500 competing animals.

Of course, as well as competitions for best heavy horse and most bonnie chicken (I'm paraphrasing here), there are lots of equine exhibitions, music, duck races, fly fishing and birds of prey displays to enjoy.

If you are in the market for some outdoor clothing, arts and crafts, Scottish produce or even a new combine harvester, then you will find vendors at the show.

Scottish produce

As far as the 5pm Food blog is concerned, the Royal Highland Show is all about the edibles.

The nation's farmers keep the country fed and there is no shortage of grub-related fun to be had at the show.

There will be lots of Scottish produce to sample in Scotland's Larder Live! and the country's top chefs will be showing off their culinary skills in the Cookery Theatre.

One of the aims of the show is to foster a better understanding of what the agricultural sector does and where our food comes from.

As part of this, the RHET Discovery Centre, located on Avenue Q, will be hosting cookery demos and lessons for kids.

Under sixteens are entitled to free entry to the show when accompanied by an adult.

At heart, it is a fun day out for all the family. Where else can you choose between watching a sheep shearing contest, making a beeswax candle, building a boat and meeting a Highland cow?

You can buy tickets here.