Royal Highland Show
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Highlights
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Royal Highland Show ✿ Highlights ✿
Empowering Women in Scottish Agriculture
From crofts to cattle farms, labs to land management, women are shaping the future of agriculture in Scotland.
Our vision is for Scottish agriculture to be a fairer, more inclusive industry, where women are supported to develop their skills, build networks, access opportunities and realise their potential, strengthening a more diverse, innovative and resilient sector.
A growing community with a shared passion.
“When I think of Scottish women in agriculture I feel pride - pride in the women who work hard across the industry every day. I am also proud that it is a community which supports, encourages and inspires each other.”
“Live everyday like it’s your last, as ewe never know what’s around the corner”
Agriculture has long been the backbone of rural Scotland. Today, women are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping its future. Yet many still face barriers to leadership, training and visibility.
Women in Agriculture Scotland exists to support, connect and champion the women working across the industry.
Become a member of Women in Agriculture Scotland and gain exclusive access to a growing network designed to support, inspire and develop women across Scottish agriculture. Membership includes early access to events, entry to our mentoring programme, educational webinars, opportunities to feature your story or business on the website, a free AGM stall for business members, and the chance to win a £250 training bursary.
How we support our members
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Mentoring
Pairing women with experienced mentors to build confidence, leadership and career progression.
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Training & Development
Workshops, learning opportunities and practical guidance tailored to the realities of agriculture.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS -
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Community
Join a supportive network of women across Scotland sharing knowledge, experience and encouragement.
Member Spotlight
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Daisy Armstrong
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Member Spotlight * Daisy Armstrong *
My First Women in Agriculture Breakfast at the Royal Highland Show.
Written by Daisy Armstrong
The Royal Highland Show has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it was one of those fixed points in the calendar – the kind of event that feels bigger every time you go back. Over the years, it sparked a genuine curiosity in food, farming, and the industry behind what ends up on our plates. That curiosity is a big part of what led me to apply for the MDS Graduate Scheme.
Last week, I returned to Ingliston, and on this occasion I was fortunate enough to secure a ticket to the Women in Agriculture Scotland Breakfast. I was so inspired by the experience that I have since signed up to become a member!
The breakfast took place on the Thursday morning of the show and brought together women from every corner of the agricultural sector – farmers, researchers, policymakers, business owners and industry professionals – all in one room before 8:30am. As a young person at the start of my career in agriculture, attending events like these matters more than I can put into words. It’s easy, sometimes, to look around an industry that has historically been male-dominated and wonder where you fit. Walking into a room full of women who are leading farms, driving research, shaping policy, and building businesses answered that question pretty quickly.
The conversations that morning were some of the most interesting I’ve had and honestly helped shape the discussions I went on to have walking around the show. All the speakers were brilliant, but I found Lauren Houston particularly fascinating – her work campaigning for better, locally sourced food in Scottish schools is exactly the kind of joined up thinking between farming and the wider food system that I find so inspiring. But what I took away most was what happened in between – sitting with women who have spent years in this industry, listening to their stories and their advice for someone just starting out like myself.
Agriculture is a big industry, but it’s a remarkably connected community and events like this are where those connections start. I came away with new perspectives, new contacts, and a renewed sense of why events like this matter.
Join our mentoring program
A free, supportive network helping women in agriculture grow, connect and realise their potential.
Led by Julie McLaren, the Women in Agriculture Mentoring Programme connects members with experienced mentors across farming, business and professional development. Backed by the Scottish Government it’s designed to build confidence, share knowledge and open up real opportunities across the sector.
12
1:1
MONTHS
Structured mentoring programme with ongoing support
MENTORING
Personalised guidance tailored to each participant
Keep up to date with what’s happening at WiA
Thank You to Our Partners
The work conducted by WiAS could not happen without the support of industry partners. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities please reach out to us.
I’m finally home after an incredible trip to London for the National Women in Agriculture Awards and I’m still feeling inspired by the experience.