Let's flock 'n' roll: get ready for the bleat

The Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships is returning to the Royal Highland Show in June after 20 years. Held in the MacRobert Theatre, more than 35 countries from across the world will battle it out to see who is the fastest sheep shearer and who has the best woolhandling technique. The highly-anticipated event will feature 39 decorated sheep sculptures that are currently on tour across Scotland in the Flock to the Show public art trail. The Scotsman is the media partner for both events and the Royal Highland Show is held from 22 to 25 June. Visit the website at royalhighlandshow.org Meet the artist Megan Reilly is a mural artist based in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. She started her business back in 2012 and since then has painted over 1,000 murals in both residential and commercial properties. She adores taking boring plain walls and transforming them with bright colours and eclectic designs, but the thing she loves most is seeing how happy it makes her clients feel when their vision becomes reality. Megan says: "Being part of this art trail means a lot to me, seeing my artwork touring around Scotland and then being auctioned off to raise money for the RHS charity is any artist's dream come true. "I live at the top of a hill in Hamilton and the sights are breathtaking on a clear day, especially when the sky bursts into fiery warm reds and yellows. "Seeing the local farmer one evening tending to his sheep during under what was the most beautiful sunset became my main inspiration for my design Shepherd's Delight." Shepherd's Delight Shepherd's Delight by Megan Reilly highlights how farmers are implementing land management measures to mitigate the risks associated with weather. Extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, and droughts, can damage crops, reduce yields, and impact livestock health. Many farmers are diversifying crops or livestock to reduce their dependence on a single product, and spread their risk across different sectors. They are also adopting sustainable land management practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and using natural fertilisers, to improve soil health and reduce the risk of erosion and flooding. Planting trees and other vegetation can help to reduce the impact of extreme weather events by increasing soil infiltration and providing natural barriers. Investment in drainage, flood protection, and other infrastructure can help to reduce the risk of damage to crops and livestock. Meet the sponsor Elanco is a global animal health company offering a range of products and services for the prevention and treatment of disease in livestock. It provides market-leading solutions to common health issues in sheep and cattle, including blowfly strike, liver fluke and parasitic worms, holding trusted brands such as CLIK and Zolvix. With a 66-year heritage, Elanco is driven by a desire to advance animal health, welfare, and farm productivity, working closely alongside vets, registered animal medicines advisors and farmers. They said: "Elanco is proud to be partnering with the RHS, with attendees, exhibitors and competitors all working towards a common goal of improving the industry in a profitable, sustainable, and high-welfare way." Find your fleece Locate today’s sheep and access our VIP competition to win free parking, hospitality, and lots more by following this link.