The Royal Highland Show is planning to break the world record for the largest eightsome reel. The event will take place in the main ring at 7pm, on 21 June.

Jimmy Warnock, chair of the Highland Show, and the Scottish Young Farmers are the driving force behind getting the show into the Guinness World Records book by having 400 people dancing to two songs.

Directors have backed the improvements after an increase in revenue and sponsorship coming into the show

The show site at Ingliston has recently had a £600,000 upgrade, which included refurbishing the Heather bar, Strathmore restaurant and upgrading the forge.

The improvements come as part of annual investment on the site, with a second livestock crossing ear-marked in the next three years.

Directors have backed the improvements after an increase in revenue and sponsorship coming into the show.

The flagship members’ pavilion is “on time, budget and progress” for 2020, according to chief executive Alan Laidlaw.

Over 5,500 entries have been confirmed

Attendees of this year’s show will be able to see the progress of the build, with a temporary members pavilion in use for the final time.

Over 5,500 entries have been confirmed. The Highland Hall will be at maximum capacity, housing just over 1,100 beef and dairy cattle.

With 117 entries, the Shorthorns boast the largest class in the beef cattle section. There are 65 Herefords entered, 39 Galloways, 44 Belted Galloways and 67 British Blues.

Sheep entries have increased with the Texel section entering 182, Beltex close behind on 174, Suffolks on 118 entries, 58 Hampshire Downs and 78 Blue Texels.

After management changes in 2018, chief executive Alan Laidlaw said there were no plans for any further restructuring and that there would not be a direct replacement for show manager. He stressed it was a team effort, with just short of 1,000 people involved in putting on the show.

The 178th Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh on 20-23 June 2019. The show will be opening 30 minutes earlier than usual, at 7am.