ORGANISERS of The Royal Highland Show have announced there will be two new sheep classes at this year's event.

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has also confirmed the event will feature several new Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers.

The two new sheep classes will see the Dutch Spotted and Valais Blacknose breeds judged at the show for the first time.

Judging the Dutch Spotted will be Brian Davies of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, who is a trustee of the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society.

David Hodge, of Okehampton, Devon will be assessing the Valais Blacknose. He currently holds the role of joint chairman of Valais Blacknose Society.

Four existing equestrian classes have been upgraded to HOYS qualifiers for 2022, with two new classes, Maxi Cob of the Year Championship and Mountain & Moorland Junior 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year, joining the schedule for the first time.

The society's competitions manager, David Tennant said: “We are really looking forward to seeing the two new sheep sections judged for the first time ever at the Royal Highland Show, with Dutch Spotted and Valais Blacknose included due to their popularity and commercial impact.”

Competition entries will open in late March, when the schedule of competitions will also be released.

Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, the Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on June 23 to 26.