Despite experiencing all four seasons in four days - with a lot of rain soaking the first two days before glorious sunshine arrived for the weekend - the Royal Highland Show was a resounding success.
The Scottish Agriculture Partnership (SAP) was proud to deliver the first-ever Sustainable Agriculture Tent alongside our partners. The tent provided a vibrant space for discussion, learning and collaboration, bringing together farmers, policymakers, researchers, businesses and young people to explore the future of sustainable agriculture in Scotland.
One of the key highlights was the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Food & Farming Sustainability Awards, hosted by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). We were delighted that Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, presented the SAP Champion of the Year Award, recognising outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable farming.
Throughout the event, NFFN Scotland and partner organisations hosted a series of engaging talks and discussions focusing on farm resilience. Across all sessions, one message emerged clearly: meaningful and lasting change can only be achieved through collaboration.
Young people played a central role through our partnership with Emergent Generation and the UK Youth Food and Farming Forum. Seven sponsored participants, involved in food, farming, climate, biodiversity and rural life, brought energy, curiosity and optimism to the programme. They helped deliver sessions exploring the future of farming, youth voice in policy and advocacy, and the support needed to help young people thrive in food, farming and rural communities.
Alongside an evening social event, these sessions created space for new connections, shared learning and fresh ideas, helping to build momentum for strengthening young people's voice and influence across the sector.
Get involved
Interested in learning more or becoming part of the conversation?
Sign up to the Scottish Agriculture Partnership newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news and opportunities. Sign up here.
Join Emergent Generation if you are aged 18–35 and passionate about creating a food system that supports both people and the planet. Join here.
Become a member of the UK Youth Food and Farming Forum and help shape the future of food and farming. Join here.