Kay Adam has been one of these directors since 2015, when she was first elected. Having a long history with the Royal Highland Show, Kay is currently chief steward of the cattle lines and young farmers.

Tell us about yourself  

“I was born Kay Fotheringham and brought up on the family farm at Forgandenny, just south of Perth. I was an active member of Perth young farmers and soon realised that farming, in particular sheep and cattle, was my first love. After gaining an HND in agriculture from SRUC Edinburgh I came home to work with our Westhall Herd.

“I met my husband Bob at the Perth bull sales, we have two sons Andrew and James who both work alongside us in our mixed farming business at Newhouse of Glamis. Andrew enjoys the cattle and sheep and James, who trained as an agricultural mechanic, takes care of all the tractor work. Farming is my life and I love it. “

How long have you been a RHASS director? 

“I was asked to be an extraordinary yearly director in 2015, and I loved the experience. A couple of years later when I knew I had the time to give, I went through an area vote and thankfully the local members backed me! I have just entered into another term, so I am in my seventh year as a RHASS director. “

What attracted you to becoming one? 

“I was brought up with the Highland Show, having been an exhibiter, competing young farmer and a RHASS life member since a very young age. It was a great honour to be asked to be a yearly director.

“Once I got involved and found out more about the Society and all that goes on in the ‘big house’ I was hooked, and felt it was my time to give back and support RHASS in any way I could.

“ This year I have joined the executive committee, which really gets you into the finer points of the Society. I have always had a great interest in youth development within our livestock industry and being a RHASS director gives me the opportunities to encourage this, through young handling competitions and the YF stockmanship competitions. “

Any drawbacks?  

“I don’t feel there are drawbacks. Yes, I spend a lot of time away from the farm at meetings - the road to Ingliston is well travelled! - but the boys are at home now and I am sure they enjoy a day without my nagging and questions. My Highland Show week has changed totally, it’s now early mornings with a clear head and long days before bed.

“It’s a full-on busy week, but as a director you only get out of it what you put in, and we work hard to make the Show week a success. It’s a fantastic board to be a member of and I have met some lovely people who will be lifelong friends as a result. There is so much more to RHASS than just Show week! “

What decisions have you made recently on the RHASS board that will make the Show better? 

“We make decisions all the time on the board and we are always trying to make the Show better. Improvements to the drainage have been a big priority since the last Show, and software modifications and improvements have also been made for the exhibitor entry systems.

“Also, anybody buying tickets should have a great experience this year, as we have a new ticketing platform. As directors we always have lots of ideas to make the Show better, but budgets often get in the way. “

What is your role at the RHS? 

“I am chief steward of cattle lines and young farmers, working within in the beef team. During the Show build up we all help with choosing judges, cattle timetables, and helping secure sponsorship. Over the Show days I am mostly in the cattle show ring, in charge of what’s going on and looking after every need of the judge, working with the stewards, making sure the exhibitors and the day runs smoothly.

“We have parades to organise in the afternoons, and we make sure the shed is running smoothly and exhibitors are all happy. On the Sunday evening as exhibitors head home, I am there with a big smile wishing them a safe journey. 

“With my young farmers hat on, all my work is mainly done before the Show. The competitions are well organised and my favourite competition, stockperson of the year, takes place on the Saturday. I always enjoy a visit to the prizegiving in the evening where the passion and enthusiasm of the young farmers movement is always on display!

“There’s a young farmers dance every night, and as my role in chief steward I have been very proactive in having welfare on site for our YF members should they need it. For anyone who’s wondering ‘what is welfare?’ it’s just like having foster parents - they keep an eye out for you and make sure your experience at the Show and dance is a good one, they are there for both young and old farmers. So, I do make a visit to the Show dance to thank our welfare stewards and to see how it’s all going - I’ve not been on the dance floor yet! “

If you could change one thing about the Show, what would it be?   

“The weather forecast - I would ban all rain over Ingliston during Show week!”

What’s your favourite animal ever that’s been at the Show… doesn’t need to be a winner? 

“My favourite animal would be a Limousin bull called Harvest Olympus. Back in 1990 it was the first year the Limousin breed had been shown at the RHS, and my late father showed his stock bull Olympus, and won - my dad held kist parties for years to come on the back of that bull! It was a massive achievement and one which I remember very fondly. “

If you get time to relax, where do you do it? 

“Relaxing during Show week for me doesn’t normally happen until Sunday afternoon, and you can find me resting my legs and feet on a comfy settee in the big house hiding from exhibitors in the cattle hall asking if they will get home on time in the evening! 

“I do enjoy meeting up with all the cattle stewards after the grand parade for a small gin and tonic in the sponsor’s tent. If I have time, catching up with my old college pals in the pavilion is a must. “