Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Show opening times?
Opening times are:
Thursday 0730 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Friday 0730 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Saturday 0730 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Sunday 0730 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Is my advance purchase ticket valid for any day?
Tickets bought in advance can be used on any single day i.e. any one of the four days (Thursday to Sunday). Tickets are only valid for one day.
Can I still purchase tickets before the show?
Advance tickets can be purchased online until midnight on Wednesday before the show and these are automatically emailed to the customer for printing-at-home. Adult: £22 Concs: £19
Do I qualify for a concession ticket?
You qualify for a concession ticket if you are a registered student or age 60+. Book your advance tickets now - click on the Ticket box at the right of this page. Suitable ID may be required at the gate.
What are acceptable credit cards for purchasing tickets?
Access, Visa, Mastercard and Eurocard are the only credit cards that are accepted at public entrances. We are unable to accept American Express.
Can I bring my dog?
The show is a busy place so we encourage you to leave your dogs at home. If you do bring your dog, it must be kept on a leash at all times and with the exception of Assistance dogs will not be admited to the Grandstands, the MacRobert Pavilion, Exhibition Hall’s or catering establishments. Dogs must not be left unattended in vehicles.
Can I hire a wheelchair or scooter?
Electric scooters and manual wheelchairs will be available from Mobility Hire 4 You. Their two hire-stations will be located, as before, at both the East and West Gates. Pre-booking is strongly recommended. Book online at http://www.mobilityhire4you.com/diary/ Phone 01353 653752 or email:mary@bartrams.net For visitors arriving by public transport at the South Entrance, arrangements may also be made directly with them.
Is there disabled parking etc?
Please ensure that your Local Authority Blue Disabled Badge is displayed clearly on the windscreen of your vehicle on approaches to the showground, so that Police direct you appropriately. Disabled car parking is on hard standing and closer to main gates than public parking. However, once these spaces have been taken we cannot guarantee that other spaces used for overspill disabled parking, will offer such advantages. The parking fee is £8.00.
Where can I find information about events?
With so much happening over the four days, you’ll be entertained from dawn to dusk. We have arranged our programme so that many activities are on several times a day. That means you can catch them when it suits you. Obtain a copy of the Show Programme when you arrive at the gates or from one of the Programme Kiosks around the showground. A showground map is available only when you purchase a Show Guide or Show Catelogue
Is there a place where I can leave my coat and bags?
For Members, the cloakrooms and left luggage are situated in the MacRobert Pavillion. For the general public a left luggage facility situated in the Highland Hall (Cattle Hall) reception area.
Does a disabled person get in free?
This is intended for a disabled person, usually an adult single person, who would be unable to access the Show without incurring the extra cost of admission for a hired carer. Therefore the disabled person pays the appropriate admission and the hired carer enters free.
Are there 4-day tickets to the Show? (How do I get Membership?)
RHASS Membership comes with a four-day ticket. Details from The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), you can apply online, their website is https://rhass.org.uk/join-and-help/
What should I wear?
Think practical, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Scotland has been known to experience all four seasons in one day so layering is best. and Something waterproof is advisable, as is stout footwear.
Who runs the Show?
The RHS is organised by RHASS (The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland). A registered charity, the Society plays a pivotal role in the creation of a better public understanding of the management of the land and rural resources from delivering world-class education programmes to providing engaging platforms to showcase the best in farm and food such as the Royal Highland Show. Interested in finding out more or to enquire about becoming a RHASS member click here
How do I find out what’s happening and where?
To make the most of your visit, a printed Show Programme tells you what is on, where and when and comes with an easy to read show map. The cost to keep you right and make the most of your day - just £3.50. If you want details of all exhibitors and competitors, then a Show Catalogue is what you need.
What does my entry price cover?
Once inside the showground you can experience the show without spending another penny. All demonstrations, exhibitions and entertainment are free for all to enjoy. You may need to buy something to eat or drink, however with so many tasters available in the Food Hall, you might need less than you think and you are welcome to bring a picnic. It really is a great value day out, especially with children under 16 entering free.
Can I bring a camera?
We would highly recommend you do, as there is so much to capture. It might win you a prize as we are holding a photographic competition on Facebook.
Am I allowed to bring a picnic?
You are very welcome to bring a picnic although we have plenty of places to buy food on site from supermarkets, artisan producers or hot food outlets serving everything from fish and chips, baked potatoes and buffalo burgers! There are plenty of tables and chairs dotted around the showground for you to sit and relax.
There is a number of bars situated around the showground and the times for all are as follows:
Wednesday 12noon until 11pm
Thursday/Friday/Saturday 11am until 10pm
Sunday 11am until 7pm
What if I feel unwell?
At the First Aid building, east side of main ring, there is a doctor, A&E trained nurse and ambulance, while foot and bicycle patrols respond to first aid around the site and a second staffed ambulance is ready by the jumping ring. Ask a steward, staff, director or official for assistance.
Where are the toilets located?
The toilets are located at all the permanent toilet blocks on the showground. This includes disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
Is smoking allowed anywhere in the showground?
Smoking is NOT PERMITTED in any enclosed building or space including the Marquees.
What is the best time to avoid the queues?
The Royal Highland Show attracts big crowds. This will inevitably result in some delays in entering the site at peak times. Using public transport can actually enhance your journey. See Visitor Info / Travel on the Show website. Our best advice is to arrive early – gates open at 8am – And purchase advance tickets so you can gain entry to the site quickly and efficiently.
Will there be queues to get into the car park?
We have invested heavily in improving our car parking facilities to keep delays to a minimum. Car parking attendants will guide you to a space. If you are parked in West Car park, we have a free shuttle service to the West Main Gate of the showground.
Can I leave & re-enter the showground during the day?
Yes, please ask the attendant on the gate to stamp your hand.
What is there to do with children?
The Royal Highland Show is a must for younger visitors – and it’s free for them to enter. The Children’s Discovery Centre is a must-visit for children of all ages. There are interactive sessions which children can participate in as well as lots of things to do including milking a ‘cow’. Each area within the showground has a number of younger attractions including music, cookery theatre, countryside, lifestyle, equestrian and the main ring. The animal parades are a great sight. Children can also get close to creatures in the poultry tent and the bee marquee where they can learn the bee dance and make candles! Many children love tractors so it is worth visiting the machinery trade stands, however please don’t allow children to climb on the displays – it is not safe for them to do so.
How much is it to park?
Car parking is £8 per car. We are encouraging as many showgoers to make use of public transport and have worked with bus operators to ensure convenient drop off and pick up points. Motorcycles and bicycles are not charged a fee. There is no dropping-off and the police will not allow it to cause danger and disruption.
Where can I get a taxi?
There is a taxi rank outside the East Entrance (Gate 1)
Where can I ask about Property Lost or Found at the Show?
There was a Lost/ Found property desk at the Show which has now closed. All items handed in and reports of lost property have been given over to Police Scotland Lost Property Dept, Fettes Station, Edinburgh. Anything hand in during the break-down of the Show will also be given over.
What are the dates of next year’s Show?
22-25 June 2017.
Any top tips for visiting the show with children?
Head to Discovery Area early and book your slots for the interactive sessions. This is particularly important on Thursday and Friday when school parties take up a significant number of slots.
When tired feet need a rest, we would suggest a seat under cover in our 1800 seat grandstand the main ring – a seat during the animal parade is a good time to do this!Children love animals so the sheep lines and poultry marquee are always fun.
Finally at this year’s show are free wristbands for writing a parent or guardian’s phone numbers which helps ensure that you are quickly reunited with your child should you become separated. These can be collected from The Rotary at both main gates.
What is the best day to come?
The majority of the show is on a rolling programme so you will see the same things everyday. Certain classes of competitions are only held on particular days. Thursday and Friday are usually less busy but are the main ‘trade’ days.
Where can I find out about trade stand offers?
We would suggest that you keep an eye on twitter and facebook – many of our exhibitors post special offers to social media followers.
Where can I find out about renewables?
We have a significant space allocated to renawables and kindly sponsored by Scottish Hydro Electric. Here you find all you need to know about alternative energy sources from numerous exhibitors.
I want to treat a client to a VIP experience, what do you suggest?
Membership to RHASS allows entry to the Members’ Area with private dining room and views overlooking the main ring. Not only do you get free entry to the Show, you can purchase discounted tickets and guest badges so they can enjoy the Show in lovely surroundings.
I am looking for interesting things to buy – where should I go?
We have hundreds of quality trade stands brimming with lovely things to buy including home, garden, fashion, artwork and jewellery. The crafts zone has beautifully produced gifts, clothes and food or the Shopping Arena has everything from food to furnishing, coats to ceramics and shoes to sweaters.
How can I become a sponsor?
We have a dedicated sponsorship team who will ensure our valued sponsors and their guests have a fantastic experience. Sponsors receive many benefits including access to the Sponsors’ Lounge with views over the main ring.
Where can I view results of competitions/classes?
Results of showing classes are displayed outside the Livestock Office on the first floor of the Highland/Cattle Hall and on the Show Website as available.
How can I exhibit at the Show?
Not surprisingly, most exhibitors keep on returning to the busy Royal Highland Show and they are offered first refusal on their site. Information packs are sent out in October and we are almost always over subscribed so please get your application in early. Priority goes to existing exhibitors. Visit our trade and exhibition for more information.
I hear the pole climbing is impressive – where do I find that?
This takes place in the Forestry Arena – your show guide will give you details of timings. This is available to purchase at the gates and kiosks located throughout the showground.
