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Trailblazing innovations across all sectors in the Scottish agricultural industry will be recognised with an award at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

The Innovation Awards are the oldest competition run by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).

A total of 15 organisations will be presented with gongs at Ingliston on Saturday.

Four will receive a gold award recognising exceptional marketplace success and influence.

Another four will be presented with silver awards, while a further seven will be honoured with certificates of commendation.

The gold award winners include:

SoilEssentials for its SKAi spot-spraying system, which is said to deliver a more sustainable way of spraying, as it detects and sprays only where needed.

Merlo UK for its electric telehandler ew25.5, which boasts an innovative new cab and hydraulics.

Graintek UK for its baby portable grain dryer, the smallest mobile dryer in the world.

New Holland for its T6 methane-powered tractor, offering a sustainable way of working.

The winners will display their innovations in the agricultural zone during the show.

Jim Wilson, managing director at Brechin-based SoilEssentials said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive our first gold RHASS Innovation Award – and even more proud it’s for a product we’ve designed and developed entirely in-house.

“The SKAi spot-spraying technology represents a major milestone for SoilEssentials, combining cutting-edge technology with practical on-farm benefits.  Reducing chemical usage, lowering input costs, and supporting sustainable agriculture are central to our mission.”

Andrew Rennie, chief steward of the Innovation Awards, said: “RHASS has a proud history of supporting agriculture and innovation.

“As someone with and agricultural contracting business, I’m honoured to be part of this legacy.

“The new categories in the Innovation Awards are exciting as they highlight a broader range of innovations that drive progress in our industry.

“These awards play a vital role in promoting fresh ideas and inspiring innovation across the sector.”

This article appeared in The Courier Farming Supplement on 14 June 2025