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The Presidential team serves for one year and is made up of representatives from the regional ‘host’ area where the Royal Highland Show would traditionally have been held when it travelled annually, before moving to its permanent home at Ingliston, Edinburgh in 1960.
RHASS’ 2026/27 Presidential Initiative will shine a spotlight on the Lothians, celebrating the people, businesses and organisations at the heart of one of Scotland’s most productive agricultural regions.
Led by President Sir Muir Russell, alongside the Lothian Presidential Team, the year-long programme will celebrate the contribution of agriculture and rural communities across East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and the City of Edinburgh.
Through a programme of events, partnerships and activities, culminating in a dedicated Presidential Showcase at the 2027 Royal Highland Show, the initiative will showcase farming, food production, research, education and innovation across the region.
Fundraising throughout the year will support RHASS and partner charities, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC).
Harvest Concert – Tickets on sale now
Sing Along in the City
Saturday 3 October 2026 | St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
Join us for a special evening of live music in the magnificent surroundings of St Giles’ Cathedral.
Sing Along in the City brings together the uplifting voices of Sing in the City’s flagship performance choir, The Aw Blacks, with the warmth, humour and musicianship of Hanley & the Baird, for an evening of choir favourites, live music and audience singalongs.
The concert is part of the 2026/27 RHASS Presidential Initiative, with net proceeds from the event supporting RHET and SAYFC.
Harvest Service at St Giles’
The following day, Sunday 4 October, St Giles’ Cathedral will host its Harvest Service celebrating the Lothians’ agricultural and rural communities.
Produce from across the region will feature in the service alongside agricultural machinery and displays from local businesses, with food donated afterwards to local Edinburgh charities.
The service is open to all.
The Lothian Presidential Team
Sir Muir Russell – President
Sir Muir Russell served as Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Office and subsequently the Scottish Executive before becoming Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.
Since retiring, he has chaired and served on numerous public bodies, including the Moredun Research Institute, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland. A long-standing resident of East Lothian, he brings extensive leadership experience across public service, higher education and the charitable sector.
Vice-Presidents
Carina Contini
Award-winning restaurateur Carina Contini co-founded the Contini restaurant group in Edinburgh and is recognised nationally for championing Scottish produce, sustainable food and hospitality. She is a Scotland Food & Drink Ambassador and was the first Royal Highland Education Trust Ambassador.
Joe Harper
Joe Harper is Chairman and Managing Director of Dods of Haddington Ltd, one of Scotland’s longest-established seed businesses. He has held leadership positions within the Agricultural Industries Confederation and continues to contribute to Scotland’s cereals sector and local enterprise in East Lothian.
Tim Wood
Tim Wood is Deputy Chairman of McInroy & Wood, having previously served as Chief Executive. Alongside his career in investment management, he has maintained strong links with farming in East Lothian and brings significant experience in governance, finance and the charitable sector.
John Sinclair
John Sinclair farms at West Craigie Farm near South Queensferry and has helped develop Craigies Farm into one of Scotland’s best-known farm retail and hospitality businesses. A former Honorary Treasurer and Executive Board member of RHASS, he has long championed Scottish agriculture, provenance and rural enterprise.
Chaplain
Rev Scott Rennie
Scott Rennie has been Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral since 2025. He previously served at Crown Court Church in Covent Garden, Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen and Brechin Cathedral, and serves on a range of Church of Scotland boards and committees.
Read more about the 2025/2026 Presidential Team
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