The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is inviting agricultural and rural innovators to apply for its Technical Innovation Awards.

The organisers say the 2020 awards will encourage and recognise innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, equipment and appliances which advance the effective and efficient practice of either agriculture, horticulture, equestrian, forestry, renewable energy or estate services.

2019 Gold Technical Innovation Award winners, Kverneland Group UK Ltd

The RHASS Chief Steward of Technical Innovation, Christo Shepherd, said, “Continual innovation and development is key for maintaining the growth of Scotland’s agriculture and rural industries. Every year we are impressed with the quality and range of products presented for the Technical Innovation Awards, which provide a unique opportunity to promote new inventions to farming and rural communities at the Royal Highland Show.

“I look forward to seeing the products that are leading the way in securing the future of the industry, whether that’s by making farming more efficient, safer or simply making operators lives easier.”

Entries must be machine, appliances, technical components or important ancillary equipment and should be commercially available or prototypes in development. All entries are judged and benchmarked on individual merit.

One Gold, six Silver and four Certificates of Commendation were awarded last year. Gold awards are presented to previous Silver award winners for continuous outstanding merit and last year the only Gold award was presented Kverneland Group UK Ltd for their Kverneland 2500 i-plough, while Silver winners included Can-Am, Case IH Agriculture, Oran Oak Engineering, Easyfix, Penderfeed Livestock Equipment and Pollock Farm Equipment.

The closing date for entries is 10th April, with judging taking place before May. Successful entrants will be notified and will be invited to attend a special presentation award ceremony on Saturday 20th June 2020 at the Royal Highland Show.

Full details about the entry process can be found on the Royal Highland Show website where an official entry form can also be downloaded.