Orkney businesses to fly the flag at the Highland Show

Fifteen Orkney businesses will be flying the flag for the county at this year’s Royal Highland Show, which kicks off on Thursday, near Edinburgh.

Six firms from the local food and drink sector and nine crafts producers will exhibit their goods on special Orkney stands set up in the event’s food and trade halls.Around 180,000 people are expected to attend this year’s show – the 175th held.

Edgar Balfour, development manager for Orkney food, drink and crafts, said: “As the flagship agricultural event in Scotland and one of the most important shows of its kind in Europe, the Royal Highland Show represents a great opportunity for Orkney businesses to share their products with tens of thousands of people and, hopefully, attract vital new trade.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had such a strong Orkney presence at the show, with this event representing the first time our crafts businesses have attended as a group. We’re certain all the local firms exhibiting will make a big impact on the event, generating a great deal of interest in the islands and our incredibly diverse range of high quality goods.”

The Orkney businesses heading south are: The Orkney Bakery, David Holmes Ceramics, Orkney Cheese, The Harray Potter, The Island Smokery, Orkney Bracelets, Stockan’s Oatcakes, Shorelines Gallery, Williamson’s Butchers, Scapa Studios, Orkney Creamery, Orkney Soap Company, Isle of Auskerry and Castaway Crafts.