Recently the Chief Vet in Scotland published guidance to allow gatherings of “Galliformes” also known as Chickens, Pheasants and Turkeys. These would be permissible under a new general licence which had a range of conditions attached. The Festival has always been keen to run poultry shows; poultry is an integral part of smallholding and is […]
Author Archives: Smallholding Scotland
Following the latest updates from APHA and ScotGov, we have sadly had to take the decision to restrict entries for Sheep and Goat competitions and the Cattle and Alpaca showcases to those located in Scotland only. This brings us in line with all major shows in Scotland. If the situation changes we will review. Please […]
15
Jul
Jul
The English Goat has been a multiple winner in the Goat competition at the Festival for owner Sophie Agrell. The English Goat is a beautifully marked, deer-like goat bred to be a hardy multipurpose contributor to the smallholding. They produce enough milk to fulfil normal household needs on a minimum volume of concentrated feed. They […]
10
Jul
Jul
The Whitefaced Woodland is one of the largest hill breeds and is a powerful, well balanced sheep. Originating in the Pennines region, both sexes are horned, the male having heavily spiralling horns. The breed is very hardy and able to thrive on poor quality grazing and harsh terrain. Ewes which typically weigh 60-70kg can produce […]
02
Jul
Jul
The Irish Moiled, affectionately know as the “Moilie” is one of the oldest of the surviving indigenous breeds of Irish cattle and the only surviving domestic livestock native to Northern Ireland. It is also a firm favourite at the Festival where it appears courtesy of the Lawson family in Fife. The myths and legends of […]
Smallholding Scotland made its debut at this years RHS, with a small stand in the Lifestyle Village where we were delighted to see many new faces as well as some more familiar ones. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us and to those who bought memberships and tickets. We are already thinking about […]
27
Jun
Jun
This is last years supreme champion from the Festival, the magnificent Kingsdown Golden Harvest from the Addison herd of Jack Holyroyd. With lop ears and a long deep body, the Large Black is Britain’s only all black pig. It is a hardy breed able to cope with most conditions. Although they are big with sows […]
Really interesting news today. https://www.gov.scot/news/future-farming-investment-scheme/
Schedules have been launched today for the Sheep, Goat and Pig competitions for the Festival in October. The livestock schedules and entry forms for the competitive classes are now live. This year will see three sheep breed societies working with organisers to promote single breed classes. The Icelandic Sheep, Hebridean Sheep and Valais Blacknose Sheep […]
The Scottish Smallholder Festival announces its return to the Royal Highland Centre in October for a third year, and also features for the first time at the Royal Highland Show. The 2025 Scottish Smallholder Festival will once again be returning to the Royal Highland Centre on the 18thOctober 2025 as the event looks forward to […]