One of these directors tasked with delivering the Royal Highland Show is Anne Logan, who is Chief Steward of Show Jumping. In this blog, Anne tells us more about how she first got involved with RHASS, what her role involves and what she’s most looking forward to about the Show this year.

Tell us about yourself

I was brought up on a dairy farm in Central Scotland and along with being a veterinary surgeon, I work on our family dairy farm with my husband and son. I have been a RHASS director since 2005 and am also Chair of British Showjumping Scotland and Chair of the Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund.

What first attracted you to RHASS?

I first became closely involved with the workings of RHASS through my husband, James, who was Chief Steward of Dairy for several years.

In 2004, I was asked by the then-chairman, Hugh Guthrie, if I would be interested in becoming a Director, specifically with an interest in show jumping. I agreed as I am passionate about the sport and have endeavored to maintain the Highland’s reputation as one of the best show jumping shows in the UK.

What is your role?

As Chief Steward, I am responsible for the integration of show jumping with the other sections at the Show, the organisation of pre-show qualifiers, the promotion of the discipline, and, most of all, producing a successful and entertaining four days of competition for our exhibitors and audience.

That involves health and safety, timetabling, sponsors of the sections and working closely with the show jumping officials and the RHASS staff. It is a pleasure to work with such a great team.

All of the above takes time and effort and having an understanding family at home is crucial as involvement with the Society is so much more than four days at the Royal Highland Show. As Board members, we give up our time willingly and for free - many people think we must get paid, but we don’t!

What are you most looking forward to about the Show this year?

How we have all missed the Royal Highland Show! I am looking forward to having the showground full once more with the very best livestock, trade stands, food and drink suppliers, and most importantly our members and public showgoers. It will just be wonderful.

And specifically, I’m looking forward to seeing the new Members’ Pavilion in full use, to see the camaraderie in the livestock lines and the buzz and excitement of the show jumping Grand Prix in the Main Ring on the Saturday afternoon in front of a capacity crowd. Oh, and of course, to find some time for a little retail therapy in the trade stands.

What would you change if you could?

Probably the restriction of numbers on the Showground which unfortunately we have to comply with.

I, personally, am disappointed that the negativity on social media about the Show has overshadowed what we should be talking about—the return of the Royal Highland Show in all its glory.

There has been some misinformation about the Society discouraging members which couldn’t be further from the truth. We are first and foremost a membership organisation and doing the best for our members has always been and will continue to be our focus. Yes, we have changed the ticketing system, and this does require some admin from our members, but the RHASS membership team are there to help.

As a sector we have had to adapt and so has the Show to ensure we remain a showcase for the very best of Scotland’s agricultural and rural industries. Let’s not cut our noses off to spite ourselves and miss the opportunity to come together with friends and family and just enjoy a great day out.

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To find out more about the role of RHASS, click here. If you’re interested in attending the 2022 Royal Highland Show, you must pre-book tickets here – but be quick, they are selling fast!