Plans have been unveiled to create a new heritage area at this year’s Black Isle Show.
Show secretary, Rod Mackenzie, said the new area was being launched to coincide with 2017 being the year of history, heritage and archaeology.
“We are keen to develop a new countryside heritage area at the show,” said Mr Mackenzie.
“We will have a few interesting features including a farriery demonstration, a few livestock exhibits, sheep shearing with hand tools and vintage machinery.”
He said he wanted to link people to the extensive and well-attended livestock sections at the show.
An option being considered is a ‘guess the breed’ game at the heritage area, encouraging people to look at pens of animals before heading to the main livestock area to find out the answer of what breeds the animals were.
“We might also develop an app so that when people are in this new discovery heritage area they can find out more,” added Mr Mackenzie.
Other new features at the show for 2017 include the launch of a vintage tractor pulling competition on the preview evening the night before the main show.
Mr Mackenzie said the preview evening would once more include a qualifier showjumping competition for local riders.
Last year show organisers chose to cancel the full-day horse show on the show’s main day as a result of the contest incurring “five-figure losses”.
Mr Mackenzie said the showground had since being confirmed as the venue for the Willberry North of Scotland Championship Show, which takes place on August 19-20.
He said it was hoped the North East and Central Charolais Cattle Club would host its national competition at the Black Isle.
In previous years the show has played host to various national breed competitions including the Scottish Simmental National Show in 2016 and the first ever national show of Highland cattle in 2015.
The show, which is now in its 180th year, takes place on Thursday August 3 at the Black Isle Showground at Muir of Ord.
