The 176th Royal Highland Show starts its four-day run at Ingliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh on Thursday. Last year the Show attracted nearly 190,000 visitors, and in addition to that hefty throng of people, there will be more than 5,000 of the finest cattle, sheep, goats and horses, not to mention poultry, also heading for the showground this week.

The vast majority of machinery and equipment manufacturers, dealers and specialists are represented at the "Highland", giving everyone involved in the agricultural sector a unique opportunity to review the latest releases and developments in one place. The Highland is truly the shop window for Scottish agriculture.

As well as playing a significant role in supporting the Scottish agricultural industry, the Show has a much wider impact on the Scottish economy generating around £46.2m each year in additional economic benefits through visitor and exhibitor spending. It is estimated that the Show generates 7,250 bed nights and supports 155 full time equivalent jobs, as well as all the direct costs related to putting on the event.

Over the years, major retailers and supermarkets have been attracted to the show and its is now reckoned that over £8m is set to be spent on shopping over the four days of this year's show.

Following on from last year's rebranding of the food hall - now known as Scotland's Larder Live - the 13th Avenue Shopping Arcade will become a lifestyle shopping destination featuring top UK brands, award winning artists and designers. With more space and a boutique feel, the new Arcade will also boast a bar where shoppers can enjoy a well-earned rest with a glass of bubbles.

With over 1,100 trade stands across the showground shoppers will have the chance to snap up some of the biggest brands in country-inspired fashion. Research reveals that 38 per cent of show-goers rank shopping as the main reason for going, and 55 per cent of them spent at least £100 at trade stands.

When the shopping is finished, this year's Show will boast two new themed bars to discover. For gin lovers, the Botanical Garden will be offering up a wide range of artisan Scottish gins to savour and appreciate.

For those looking for something a bit different, the Country Music Bar will not disappoint. The second of the Show's new themed bars, this lively venue will feature live country bands and possibly even line dancing, offering something completely different for show-goers.

For those who like to have a drink but don't have the responsibility of driving a car, the closure of the popular Herdsman's Bar is more than made up for by other "watering holes". The show organisers' new direction means that they are focusing on quality, not quantity, which will make things more socially orientated. They feel that by introducing new smaller venues they can offer people real variety in their choice of where they head to drink, eat and socialise.

For those with a taste for real ale, craft beer and cider, Eden Brewery will be returning to host the Real Ale bar in the Lifestyle Village, the German Bar, run by Gilchrists, will be back on 4th Avenue (opposite the Forestry Arena) and there will be an always popular Cider Bar in the Countryside Area.

Old favourites such as Cheers Bar, Quaich Bar, Strathmore Restaurant, Stockmans Bar & Restaurant and MacPherson's Bar and Grill and The Stag, will all be returning to their usual locations.

Of course, there is much more to the show than drinking and the organisers are continually investing in improvements. Last year saw the launch of a live streaming service, with over 15,000 people in 46 countries logging on across the world to watch live coverage of the event. This year, "RHS Live" will be even bigger allowing viewers to log on and catch up on all the action.

This year's show will benefit from a new pedestrian underpass, which will greatly improve pedestrian flow and experience behind the main ring grandstand. This enhancement of the site will allow livestock to cross over the top of the underpass when entering and exiting from the main ring. The pedestrian underpass will remove the historical delay for attendees when livestock are crossing in and out of the main ring.

The first phase of the North car park remodelling is now complete and sees a much improved welcome to the main car park.