TEAMS from across the globe will descend on Scotland later this year for the sheep shearing world championships.
The 2023 Golden Shears Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling World Championships will see contestants from more than 30 nations meet in Edinburgh.
The last contest was held in France in 2019, with delays linked to the Covid pandemic pushing the follow-up event back.
The next championships will be held at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, which will run from June 22 to 25.
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It is only the second time the World Championships have been held in Scotland since the inaugural event in 1977.
In 2003, the contest was also held at Edinburgh, with the “Golden Shears” won by the shearing legend David Fagan, who has triumphed at the championship a record-setting five times.
Scots have taken home the gold on two occasions. Tom Wilson won in 1984, and Gavin Mutch was champion in 2012.
Scotland, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, and South Africa are just some of the countries which are expected to have teams sent to Edinburgh for the 2023 event.
Jim Warnock, chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for the Golden Shears and we are delighted to be welcoming shearing teams from over 30 countries to the Royal Highland Show this June.
“The Golden Shears is an exciting addition to what is already Scotland’s best day out – if you’ve never experienced the thrill of the shearing tent before, make sure to pay it a visit this year as the world’s top talent will be on display.”
Veronica Baena Fraca is competing at the Golden Shears as part of Spain’s national team. She commented: “I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the people and friends I’ve met at the Golden Shears over the years. I’ll be happy just to do my best, have a good time and enjoy spending time with my teammates.”
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