The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) 2020 Technical Innovation Awards, which would have played part of the cancelled Royal Highland Show, will continue with judging taking place online.

The organisers have announced that they have extended the deadline for entires and dropped the £100 entry fee so as to encourage further entrants.

Designed to recognise design and innovation across agri-sector machinery and equipment, the awards showcase inventions and innovations that demonstrate a positive impact on agriculture, horticulture, equestrian, forestry, renewable energy and estate activities.

The awards are now open until 8th May 2020 via the RHASS website. Judging will be completed online and winners will be informed in June and will be promoted through a PR and digital marketing campaign. A formal presentation of awards will be undertaken at Ingliston House post Covid-19 restrictions.

RHASS chief steward of technical innovation, Christopher Shepherd said, “We are pleased to be in a position to make entering the awards free in light of difficult trading conditions for many manufacturers. We hope that by extending the deadline more organisations will find the time to enter as, if successful, being an award-winner offers a valuable way to achieve a clear marketing advantage."

In other news, the RHASS has also announced that they are joining forces with other UK charities to take part in The 2.6 Challenge from Sunday 26 April with their campaign #TheShowMustGoOn!

The RHASS say the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact, with the cancellation of the Royal Highland Show and thousands of other events across the UK, resulting in the loss of billions of pounds in income to UK charities, such as themselves.

The 2.6 Challenge will launch on Sunday 26 April, on what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, to raise vital funds to help the UK’s charities to carry on their work.

To take part in in the 2.6 Challenge, volunteers agree to complete an activity of their choice based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and to fundraise or donate to support a UK charity.

The RHASS say for those living and working in Scotland’s rural communities, including their members, supporters and thousands of visitors who come to the Royal Highland Show each year, the rallying cry is #TheShowMustGoOn. RHASS hopes that people will get behind the campaign to protect Scotland’s largest agricultural event and the benefits it brings to the food, farming and rural sector.

To donate, or fundraise for RHASS #TheShowMustGoOn campaign, click here.