'Mudbath' farming show called off

The second day of the show in Turriff had to be cancelled

The second day of one of Scotland's largest agricultural shows has been cancelled.

Extremely heavy rain overnight led to mudbath conditions at the Turriff Show in Aberdeenshire.

The first day of the event went ahead without any sheep, cattle or goats due to restrictions which followed the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey.

First Minister Alex Salmond was among the visitors on Sunday as he stressed rural Scotland was "open for business".

A UK-wide ban on livestock movement was put in place after foot-and-mouth was discovered on a farm near Guildford.

Having the rain on top of the foot-and-mouth outbreak - it's just unbelievable Bruce Ferguson Show secretary Support for Turriff event

The Health and Safety Executive is examining whether a nearby laboratory complex could have been the source of the outbreak.

Despite the restrictions and the poor weather, there was a good turn-out for the Turriff Show on Sunday.

The two-day event usually attracts more than 40,000 visitors.

Now in its 143rd year, the show is organised by the Turriff District Agricultural Association.

Show secretary Bruce Ferguson said: "We've had torrential rain overnight and most of the show field is under water.

"We're slowly getting in touch with everyone to let them know the situation.

"Having the rain on top of the foot-and-mouth outbreak - it's just unbelievable."

The Scottish government has set up a foot-and-mouth helpline for farmers on 0845 1553366.