Making the most of the 2025 Rural Show Calendar

Agricultural Shows, Highland Games, Game & Country Fairs, Horse Shows and the like are the backbone of the Scottish rural calendar. We list many of the gatherings below (although errors, changes and omissions can happen so please do check with organisers before setting out) . These events are great social occasions and offer terrific opportunities to anyone wishing to market their product or service to a receptive audience.

Who's in Your V?

At Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, not far from Scene & Herd's East Lothian headquarters, around 30,000 pink-footed geese, flock here from Iceland and Greenland each autumn. Quite often, I hear them before I see them. You've undoubtedly seen a V-shaped skein of geese flying overhead, a powerful image of teamwork and efficiency. Did you know they rotate positions within that formation? The lead goose battles the strongest headwinds, taking the brunt of the resistance. When that leader tires, they drop back, and another goose takes their place. This constant rotation allows the entire flock to conserve energy and fly farther, together. It's a beautiful example of distributed leadership, and a powerful metaphor for building a successful business.

Turning Bad Feedback into Business Gold: How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews

We've previously mentioned the importance of online reviews to a business's reputation, but what if the review is negative? As a business owner, negative online reviews can feel like a personal attack. However, it's important to realise that these reviews offer valuable opportunities for growth and improvement. By understanding how to respond effectively, you can turn bad feedback into a positive force for your business.

March in Rural Scotland: Charity, Succession Planning, and Community

March is a bustling month for Scotland's rural communities, offering opportunities for both charitable support and vital knowledge sharing. Here's a look at two key initiatives: RHASS Presidential Initiative Charity Dinner & Auction, and RSABI x The Royal Countryside Fund: Planning for the Future workshops.

Is 2025 the year for a new you?

As we settle into 2025, it’s the perfect time to refresh, rethink, and revitalise our businesses. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers, stand out from the crowd, or better connect with your audience, your branding is the key to unlocking growth and success.

Growing your Instagram – part 2

You may remember that back in October we issued a newsletter aimed at creating a bit of two-way support – you follow our Instagram handles and in turn we’ll share yours in a future newsletter and encourage our database to follow you too. All this with the aim of boosting all of our accounts and making rural businesses better known.

2025: The Year Ahead

We've summarised some of the key events and anniversaries coming up in 2025, many of which present great opportunities to showcase your rural business and form new partnerships.

WARNING: May Contain Snakes! 🐍

The Chinese Spring Festival/Lunar New Year will be celebrated this year on 29 January by over 1.5 billion people worldwide. This auspicious event presents a significant opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings to China's rapidly expanding middle class. As the appetite for Scottish luxury goods, including whisky, salmon, cashmere, and tourism, continues to rise in China, the time has never been better to explore export opportunities.

What's Your Life Cocktail?

I listened to the Pause for Thought segment on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Radio 2 recently and the American gentleman (his name escapes me now) hosting the segment really made me stop and think. He was talking about his ‘Spiritual Cocktail’ – the blend of religions and beliefs that make him who he is. As someone who is not religious, I still think that what he said is relevant to me – and I believe it’s relevant to us all.

Predictions for 2025: Navigating the Digital and Rural Landscapes

I hope this finds you well-rested and ready to tackle a new year! I enjoy the festive season immensely although I'm glad to be back in a routine. As the holiday cheer fades and the reality of a new year sets in, I can't help but wonder what surprises 2025 has in store. Despite the unexpected twists and turns life often throws our way, I'm optimistic about the year ahead. So much so, I'm going to make some predictions...

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