SRUC at Royal Highland Show 2026
SRUC will showcase the impact of its research, education and consultancy at this year’s Royal Highland Show, with a packed programme of demonstrations, discussions and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
A key feature of this year’s show will be the unveiling of SRUC’s new prospectus, highlighting opportunities across further and higher education, while showcasing the organisation’s commitment to developing the future workforce for a sustainable and resilient rural economy.
Among the hands-on highlights is a virtual welding simulator hosted by SRUC’s skills and work-based learning team, where visitors can test their abilities in daily weld-off competitions and learn more about the technical and vocational training opportunities available through SRUC.
The stand will also feature an interactive Data Lab which will demonstrate how digital innovation is shaping the future of agriculture and rural industries.
The SRUC-led Digital Dairy Chain, funded through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) flagship ‘Strength in Places’ programme, will offer hands-on demonstrations exploring innovation, including milk analysis technology and sustainable composting research using waste milk.
On Saturday 20 June, SRUC will host its Alumni Farmers Market, showcasing businesses and products from former students, while Sunday will feature an equestrian drop-in day in partnership with Horse Scotland, focused on accessibility and animal welfare.
Family-friendly attractions will include the popular “Catch a Coo” game, food and drink sampling and interactive educational experiences.
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive at SRUC, said: “The Royal Highland Show is one of the most important dates in the rural calendar and provides a fantastic platform to showcase the impact of SRUC’s work across education, research and consultancy.
“This year’s programme highlights the breadth of our expertise and the exciting opportunities available through SRUC, including the launch of our new prospectus. From hands-on activities and skills demonstrations to innovate research exhibits, there will be something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the SRUC stand for a unique insight into how we are supporting the future of Scotland’s natural economy.”
SRUC will also be hosting events and panel sessions, including:
Thursday 18 June
- 9.30am-10.30am: SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre will present findings from the Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review project, which considered key Scottish Government initiatives to support rural communities through the work of Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action, and the Community Led Local Development Fund.
- 2.20pm-3.30pm An event to show the impact of the current Scottish Government-funded Strategic Research Programme and wider aligned funding, and to show how SRUC and partners are already building the platforms, tools and stakeholder relationships needed for the next ENRA Strategic Research Programme.
Friday 19 June
9.30am-10.30am: SRUC and the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) host a session addressing the financial volatility of modern agriculture, specifically regarding fertiliser, feed, and fuel.
- 1.45pm-2.45pm: Farming Water Scotland event, delivered through the SAC and SEPA partnership funded by the Scottish Government, will explore the impacts of changing weather patterns and climate change on farming resilience.
- 3pm-4.15pm: LUNZ Workshop, an opportunity to engage with Scottish Government representatives and MSPs on current and future land use and agri-food research in Scotland, highlighting SRUC’s role as a leading contributor in the sector.
- 4.30pm-5.30pm: SRUC and the Scottish Land Commission will host an expert panel discussion on insights from the latest rural land market report and wider challenges surrounding data within the sector.
Please note that limited space is available for all events.
The Royal Highland Show takes place from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 21 June. SRUC can be found on 7th Avenue.
Important links:
- Home | Royal Highland Show
- SRUC at the Royal Highland Show 2026
- SRUC Events | Royal Highland Show - 18-21 June 2026
Posted by SRUC on 26/05/2026
