AgriScot will return next month, on Wednesday 18th November, with a full house of exhibitors as trade stands are once again sold out.
Over 240 exhibitors will make the journey to Ingliston for the event’s 25th anniversary, with many having taken part since the very beginning. Only 14 new exhibitors will set up stands this year, the lowest ever number of first-time exhibitors, showing just how sought-after spaces are at the UK’s premier agricultural business event.
David Ritchie Agricultural Implements has manufactured livestock and farm equipment since 1870, with a focus on the sheep and beef sectors, alongside dairy, bale handling, grassland equipment and some bespoke work. The company has exhibited at AgriScot for all 25 years of the show’s history – and before that, at its predecessor event, DairyScot.
For Director Bob Ritchie, what keeps the company coming back to AgriScot is simple. “AgriScot just works. It’s a busy one-day business event and there’s no time wasted,” he says. “Admission is free for visitors and it’s a good time of year, coming into the winter. At AgriScot, the conversation is about the products and industry – it’s a real business focus.”
Reflecting on the last 25 years in the industry, Bob points to bureaucracy as the biggest change he’s seen across farming. But he’s seen AgriScot evolve for the better – from a dairy-focused show before broadening into the wide-ranging event it is today. “The event today has a much wider remit, covering all of the industry with a big focus on innovation and collaboration – I know the board of directors are forward-thinking, and that’s refreshing.”
Asked what visitors get from stopping at the Ritchie stand, his answer is straightforward: “They’ll walk away with a whole lot more information than they came with.
Our industry is all about people – the product, quality, service, price, these are all givens, but people and relationships are what make the difference.”
He’s in no doubt that it is worth farmers investing the time to visit. “Is it not worth getting off the farm to see the latest developments and technologies, and speak to people? I know from a business point of view, if I get the chance to visit somebody else’s factory, the things you can learn are phenomenal, and well worth the time.”
Ritchie isn’t alone in its loyalty; AgriScot has been a fixture in Harbro’s calendar since the very beginning, giving the animal feed and nutrition specialist a valuable chance to meet customers away from the farm each year. Now also a sponsor, Harbro has exhibited at every AgriScot event.
“AgriScot gives our team a valuable opportunity to meet customers away from the farm, catch up on what’s happening within their business, and discuss how our products and services can support their livestock’s performance,” says Rebecca Ingram, Group Marketing Manager at Harbro. “The event has continued to evolve, giving farmers access to an ever-wider range of information, expertise and support from across the industry. That’s why we’ve continued to be involved, as both an exhibitor and a sponsor.”
This year, Harbro’s team will be on hand at AgriScot to offer practical nutritional advice and talk through some of the key challenges and opportunities facing farmers. Visitors will have the chance to sign up for services including mineral and calf audits, and tailored animal health planning.
For Rebecca, the value of the event lies as much in the wider day as in Harbro’s own stand. “AgriScot provides a chance for farmers to step away from the day-to-day demands of the farm, meet people from across the industry, and exchange ideas and access information and expertise that can help their businesses. We’d encourage farmers from all sectors to attend and make the most of what’s on offer.”
Reflecting on the milestone, she adds: “We’re delighted to have supported AgriScot throughout its journey, and to be part of its 25th anniversary. We look forward to catching up with customers, colleagues and friends from across the industry again this year.”
The loyalty from exhibitors stretches well beyond Scotland’s borders too. Hi-Spec Engineering has manufactured slurry tankers, slurry applicators, manure spreaders, feed mixers and push-off trailers since 1988. It is a family-owned business, now employing around 50 people, with more than one generation involved. Its home market is Ireland, but the UK is a huge part of the picture – together, the two markets account for 90% of its sales, served through a well-established dealer network nationwide, in both Ireland and the UK.
Exhibiting at AgriScot for all 25 years has been a natural fit. “It’s a targeted business and machinery show, and there aren’t that many of them,” says Jim Nolan, Sales Coordinator at Hi-Spec. “Visitors to our stand are there to view our machines, find out what’s new and talk to our experienced sales team.”
That focus pays off. “We find it very worthwhile. We usually get good leads, and feedback coming out of it, which can’t be said for every show. It’s an event where some business is actually done. There’s a healthy Irish contingent too, thanks to easy access.”
Looking back over 25 years, the biggest change Jim has seen is size. “In the mid-90s, a 1,600- or 2,000-gallon tank was considered large. That would be considered small now. We sell a lot of 3,500- and 4,000-gallon tankers. Manufacturing has moved on too, with laser profiling and better finishing making for more professional machines.”
For visitors to AgriScot, Jim says the appeal of Hi-Spec’s stand is simple. “You get to see the products on the stand and talk to salespeople who are well experienced, who can recommend what’s suitable for you, even if it’s custom. You also find out where your local dealer is. And there’s a lot to be said for just seeing a machine in the flesh.”
Jim’s advice to a farmer weighing up a day out? “It’s worthwhile if you’re in the market for upgrading or changing a machine. You get it all in one place and all in one day, and you might learn about something that could benefit you that you didn’t even know about.”
He also had a message for the organisers: “Congratulations on 25 years. It’s not easy to keep going that long, and you’re still doing it well.”
That kind of support and loyalty from exhibitors is exactly why this year’s list of newcomers is so short. One of them is David Franklin.
After several years on the waiting list, David Franklin of Franklin Soil Fertility Ltd – a business he has built over the last 30 years, now joined by his son – is exhibiting at AgriScot for the first time.
The company offers a more precise soil testing service than standard UK methods, measuring each farm’s soil holding capacity rather than relying on a generic guideline. “Soils all have different holding capacities based on a range of factors, but the standard system assumes everyone is the same,” he explains. “That leads to farmers either over- or under-applying nutrients without realising it.”
David has helped farmers save thousands of pounds by correcting over-liming. He focuses heavily on trace elements like boron and sulphur, which drive sugar production in plants – the key, he says, to stronger yields and reduced reliance on fertiliser. With nitrogen prices high, he sees growing demand for that natural-fertility approach. He can be in Ayr on a dairy farm one day, and in Arbroath on a carrot farm the next.
David has attended AgriScot as a visitor several times over the years and kept his name on the list for an exhibitor spot. “Getting trade stand space at AgriScot took a few years – it’s not easy to get a space, but I’m delighted to be coming along this year. AgriScot is a real industry event- people are there to learn and see what’s new and I’ll be there to talk about soil health.”
Taking place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, more than 240 exhibitors will be at AgriScot on Wednesday 18th November 2026.
“We are really looking forward to another packed event at AgriScot, and it feels especially fitting to be marking 25 years with such strong exhibitor loyalty,” said John MacInnes, who manages exhibitor applications and trade stands.
“The mix of exhibitors is what makes AgriScot such a success, and seeing so many return year after year is testament to just how important this event has become to the sector.”
“With a broad range of exhibitors, from animal healthcare to machinery, ag tech to advisory, sheep and beef demonstrations, and a lively seminar programme, the event has plenty to offer every type of farming enterprise,” John adds.
“It’s a chance to meet face-to-face and take advantage of the huge range of expertise on offer, as well as to network and build relationships, all in one place.”
To register for free entry and parking and beat the queues on the day, head to www.agriscot.co.uk
