Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is gearing up for a packed programme of activity at this year’s Royal Highland Show, running from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June 2026 at Ingliston. From showcasing the next generation of butchers and chefs to supporting young farmers and engaging with families, QMS will be front and centre celebrating all things Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork.
The QMS stand, located on Avenue O by the main ring, will once again be a hub for networking, learning, inspiration and community connection. Designed to reflect QMS’s latest marketing campaign, When You Know, You Know, it will shine a spotlight on what sits behind the famous blue labels – the dedication, traceability and quality that define Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork. Visitors are invited to drop by for a cup of tea or coffee and the chance to catch up with the QMS team during the show.
Visitors can look forward to a range of experiences across the showground:
Retailer Partnerships
QMS will return to the Lidl stand with Farm to Fork demonstrations on Thursday and Friday, focusing on steak cuts, with Make It Scotch goody bags up for grabs. Over the weekend, the Lidl stand will turn up the heat with a fun cook-off featuring Eadie Manson and Scott Lyall from Fife College alongside professional rugby players from Scotland’s elite clubs. There will also be a High Steaks quiz with Make It Scotch, giving visitors the chance to test their red meat knowledge in a lively, interactive format.
On Thursday, QMS will judge and present the QMS Rose Bowl to the champion in the Kepak McIntosh Donald Best Scotch Steak competition at the Tesco stand, recognising excellence in showcasing premium Scotch produce.
Food for Thought Cookery Theatre
Supported by The Scotch Butchers Club, Scotch Beef Club and Native Hebridean Salmon, the Food for Thought Theatre in Scotland’s Larder will bring together some of Scotland’s most exciting emerging culinary and butchery talent. Across the four-day programme, visitors can enjoy live demonstrations and inspiring appearances featuring Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork.
Thursday: William Rocks, Tigh an Truish & Rocks Fine Foods, Oban (chef demo); George Hayward, Haywards Farm Shop & Butchers, Kent (butcher demo)
Friday: Kyle Lorimer-Kay, Bert Fowlie Butchers, Aberdeenshire (butcher demo); Ryan Murphy, Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire (chef demo)
Saturday: Joseph Burgess, Heron, Edinburgh (chef demo); James Mitchell, James Mitchell Butchers, Airdrie (butcher demo)
Sunday: Ryan Tierney, Kinnairds Butchers Shop & Deli, Larbert (butcher demo); David Millar, Carlowrie Castle, Edinburgh (chef demo)
The line-up celebrates the people championing local sourcing, craftsmanship and quality, while flying the flag for Scottish food excellence.
Community and Education Engagement
Families and school groups can stop by the RHET Discovery Centre from Thursday to Sunday, where QMS will be supporting the Journey of Red Meat, new interactive games, QMS goodies and scheduled school sessions designed to help younger audiences better understand the story behind their food.
Special Guests and Giveaways
Rugby fans should keep an eye out for special appearances from professional rugby players from Scotland’s elite clubs over the weekend as part of QMS activity at the Lidl stand. Visitors can also purchase limited-edition Highland Show t-shirts at the QMS stand for a minimum donation of £5, with all proceeds going to RSABI and the SAYFC Big Build.
Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, commented: “The Royal Highland Show is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the quality, care and commitment behind Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork. It brings together producers, processors, butchers, chefs and consumers, and gives us the chance to showcase the people and standards that make Scotland’s red meat sector so special.
“From supporting future talent and encouraging learning to inspiring families and food lovers, there is something for everyone across the four days. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the QMS stand and sharing more about the trusted story behind our Scotch brands.”
For updates and the full programme of events, follow @qmscotland on social media.