Over 150,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual trade show and fair for farmers and the public. Among the numerous events at this year's Royal Highland Show are  grand parades of livestock, culinary demos in the Food Hall, rural pursuits and skills in the Countryside Area, gargantuan farm machinery, and plentiful shopping.

This year highland sports skills will be on display on Saturday and Sunday, with  international “heavies” caber tossing, stone putting and heaving a 56 lb weight over a high bar in weight for height.

This year's focus will have a focus on rewewables and reducing carbon footprints, with a section dedicated to wind and solar power, biomass, alternative energy and the like.

Times - the RHS starts an hour early on Thursday and finishes an hour earlier on Sunday

Some of the main attractions:

Livestock – one of the world’s best displays of livestock breeding. Around 4000 head of the finest cattle, horses, goats and sheep compete for coveted Royal Highland rosettes and almost £1 million in prize money and trophies.

This year, there is a special focus on Simmental cattle with the World Simmental Congress including the show in its programme. The grand parade of prize-winning livestock on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is one of THE spectacles of the show.

Climate Change and Renewables - a subject now high on the public agenda. The Scottish Government and the Forestry Commission Scotland will be demonstrating the impact of climate change on the landscape. In a separate exhibit on renewable energy, a number of companies will be featuring wind and solar power, biomass and alternative energy sources.

Food & Drink at the Royal Highland – the top exhibition of Scottish food and drink plus speciality foods from other areas, non-food ancillary products and cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Emphasis on the current trend “buy local, eat local.” A special exhibit – Strength of Strathclyde – will showcase up and coming food and drink companies from the region. Great Grog will be offering tutored wine tastings featuring wines from France, South Africa and the New World.

Scottish Food and Drink Theatre - the theatre within the Food Hall brings together the exciting diversity and quality of Scottish food and drink and its associations with agriculture, tourism, retail, food service and cuisine. Rolling programme of events including chef demonstrations, tastings, retail product demos and presentations on where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Highland Games - part of the Strength of Strathclyde President’s Initiative for 2008. At the weekend in the main ring, some of the world’s best heavy athletes will be demonstrating caber tossing, stone putting and weight for height, including world champion Scotsman Gregor Edmunds.

Outdoor Living Area - a host of ideas and concepts in this popular area…whether it’s for pottering about in the garden, cooking alfresco on the barbecue, relaxing on some new garden furniture or soaking in the hot tub!

Highland Hall - the country’s largest temporary cattle shed! The Highland Hall is the biggest single span building in Scotland and houses around 1000 beef and dairy cattle at the show. The sheer scale is breathtaking and visitors can get up close to hairy Highlanders, dainty Jerseys and cute calves.

Countryside Area - this 7-acre site, entered from the West Gate or from the main showground, incorporates a one-acre loch and stunning landscaping. Trade stands, demonstrations and events reflecting a range of country sports and activities – gundogs, falconry, fly fishing, ferrets, terrier racing and sheepdogs. The Rural Marquee features traditional skills, from bagpipe making to drystane dyking.

MacRobert Theatre - all action sheep shearing at this purpose built facility which in 2003 hosted the “Golden Shears” World Championships. National pride is at stake in the Highland Shears Open competition.

Children’s Education Centre - run by the Royal Highland Education Trust with a theme this year of “So You Think You Know About Farming?, this bustling centre is a must for the young visitor, either in an organised school party or with mum and dad. Hands-on activities help children understand more about the countryside, food and farming.

Motor Zone - sixteen companies will be exhibiting the latest car models with Volkswagen also featuring the David Beckham Football School and Peugeot offering a mini driving experience.

Music - an eclectic mix of music and dance featuring a Welsh male voice choir, Scottish country dance, jazz, folk, Latin, pipes and drums, Irish dancing and “Strictly Come Salsa”.

Forestry Arena - pole climbing with new poles installed earlier this year, axe throwing, timber shifting, wood carving by chain saw. The sights and sounds of the forestry industry in one specialised location.

Trade Stands & Shopping - the “trade” regard the Royal Highland as one of the best shows for business in the UK. The show has remained true to its core base with a high percentage of its 1000 exhibitors featuring farm machinery, equipment and services although there is an ever-widening variety of shopping opportunities for farm, country and town visitors – from combines to crafts, food to fashion, wellies to whisky! Almost £100 million is either spent or pledged during the show.

The RHASS - The Society was established in 1784 to promote the trade, agriculture, poetry, language and music of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Today, it is principally known for the Royal Highland Show but its activities cover much more. In addition to making awards and grants, the Society has a strong educational role in promoting all aspects of rural life in Scotland including agriculture, horticulture and forestry. The Royal Highland Education Trust fulfils this role through links with Scottish primary schools.

Adult admission on all four days is £20 (£15 senior citizens and students). Children under sixteen go free if accompanied by an adult. Car parking is £5. Early booking discounts apply (£18 and £13).