Ayr Show to return to Ayr Racecourse on the 14 May for first show since 2019

Regional and local shows are back after two years away with the return of these important annual events showing that things are getting back to normal post-Covid.

NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual will kick off their show season at Ayr Show when it returns to Ayr Racecourse on Saturday 14 May 2022 for the first time since 2019.

NFU Scotland Ayrshire’s Group Secretaries and staff are looking forward to welcoming members old and new at stand number J130 for light refreshments and a catch up. There will also be a children’s area at the front of the stand with a decorate your own scarecrow activity.

Union President Martin Kennedy will be present throughout the day and will be joined by QMS Chair Kate Rowell and Chief Executive Sarah Millar, who will be on the stand between 12-2pm to speak with levy payers. NFUS Dairy Policy Manager Stuart Martin, who runs the Scottish Dairy Hub, will also be attending.

NFU Scotland’s Presidential team of Martin Kennedy, Robin Traquair, and Andrew Connon will attend over 20 shows throughout the summer.

Looking ahead at the upcoming show season, President Martin Kennedy said: “For two years we have missed the craic, the banter, and the friendly rivalry of showing our best exhibits in competition, which traditionally plays such a big part in the

agricultural calendar. I am looking forward to getting out and about over the summer to meet face to face with as many of our members as possible from across the country and hearing firsthand about the issues affecting them.”

The Union’s Ayrshire Regional Manager, Christine Cuthbertson, said: “We are so excited about getting back to Ayr Show which is one of the highlights of Ayrshire’s farming calendar! There is no doubt that the community have greatly missed the buzz and chat with friends, neighbours, and colleagues with Covid-19 causing a 3-year break in show proceedings.

“It has been a fine Spring weather wise, and with most famers’ lambing, calving, and planting complete they will be ready for a good day at the show. There will be a warm welcome at our stand, and it will be wonderful to discuss issues of the day and support our members in person again over a cup of tea.”

“I am sure our members will be raising many of the issues which are currently affecting our industry including input costs, food security, and new support frameworks for agriculture in Scotland.”

Linda Blackwood, NFU Mutual Ayr Agent and NFUS Group Secretary, added: “We are delighted to be attending the show this year alongside NFU Scotland and the team from NFU Mutual Kilmarnock. This event is our opportunity to connect with the local community face-to-face, catch up with customers, and provide a relaxed and safe environment for people after what has been a very tough and long couple of years. This is our first physical event since before the pandemic and my partners and I are very much looking forward to supporting and seeing everyone there.”

Notes to editors:

• Ayr Show will be held on Saturday 14 May 2022 at Ayr Racecourse, Craigie Road, Ayr.

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Contact Ruth Oxborrow on 07823 556253