National pride is at stake on Sunday when Scotland take on New Zealand in a specially-organised sheep shearing "test match" around 4pm. Plus, look out for the Highland Shears Open Competition, along with the junior and senior contests, in the MacRobe
rt Theatre.
Aberdeenshire President's Initiative
Each year, a different region "hosts" the Royal Highland Show, and this time round it's Aberdeenshire's turn. A "village" has been created in the Food and Drink Hall to showcase a selection of Aberdeenshire businesses and their wares, including Brewdog's potent beers from Fraserburgh and Mackie's smooth ice cream from Alford. Aberdeenshire's arts and crafts will also be on show in the Shopping Arcade and several North East bands will be providing musical entertainment during the four-day event.
Death-defying Douglas Firs
In the Forestry Arena, pole climbers will be showing off the skills they use to "shimmy" up 90-foot Douglas Fir poles in less than 14 seconds. Other free demonstrations taking place in the arena include chainsaw carving and axe throwing.
'Spirit of the Glen'
Classical Brit Award winners the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards will be striking up tunes from their number one album, Spirit Of The Glen – Journey, in the main ring tomorrow and on Sunday, as well as parading through the showground. The Dragoon Guards will also "beat the retreat" on Sunday to close the show.
Quack Commandos
Fresh from its base in the Trossachs, the Scottish Sheepdog School will present its "Quack Commandos", a team of border collies trained to round up a flock of escaping Indian runner ducks. Catch them today at 11am and 2:30pm in the Countryside Arena and then again at different times tomorrow and Saturday.
Grape expectations for wine
Richard Meadows and his team from Edinburgh independent wine merchant Great Grog will be on hand on the western balcony of the Food Hall offering free mini wine tasting sessions. Six wines will be available on the hour, every hour between noon and 4pm each day.
Surveying God's creation
For a bit of space and quiet reflection, head to the Churches Pavilion, where information will also be on hand about fair trade foods and using churches as rural post offices.
Walk on the wild side
Quizzes and activities for children will be part of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's stand, along with information about the weird and wonderful array of creatures that live in our countryside – including species like the beaver, which could one day be making a comeback.
Cooking up a storm
The Scotsman's very own cookery expert, Lady Claire Macdonald, from Kinloch Lodge, on Skye, will be giving a kitchen demonstration today at 4:30pm.
Just horsing around
Clydesdale horses are always a big draw at agricultural shows and this year's mixture of displays and competitions promises to be no different. Watch out for the Clydesdale judging around 1pm today, the ridden competition on Saturday and the young handlers final on Sunday.
Whisky and haggis
Scotland's national dish and national drink meet in the Food & Drink Theatre tomorrow when David Urquhart from whisky specialists Gordon and MacPhail, in Elgin, will give a demonstration. Plus, Jo Macsween, from the eponymous haggis maker, will be on hand to give more tasty tips today and on Sunday.
Dennis the Menace
As the Beano celebrates its 70th birthday, some of the artists and writers behind one of Scotland's favourite comics will be on hand at the Discovery Centre, where children can make up their own comics.
Scotland's larder
Everybody loves a bit of cheese, and visitors will be able to see the judges picking the best of the best at 11am today in the Food Hall, alongside the butter competition judging and the ice cream contest.
