WHO MISSES the good old days of the Royal Highland Show? The area near the old Herdsmans that always turned to mud? The stockmans' accommodation and its 'hot' water system? Who longs for that pinch point at the main ring access where crowds would get held up seemingly forever as a parade of beasts marched through at their own leisurely pace?

Do you feel nostalgic for the total absence of disabled toilets, decent WiFi and catering without the word 'burger' above it? How could the RHASS rip up these beloved, nay historic features of the Ingliston Showground? What were they thinking?

Probably the same as they are thinking now. Stuff gets old, better technology comes along, people's expectations change, legal requirements change, opportunities arise, and inspiration dawns.

I recall a few years ago the heated debate over the tunnel and overpass that RHASS put in to cure that main ring access pinch point. A white elephant, some said... an indulgence, said others... couldn't this money be put to better use?

I walked through that wee tunnel again this week, for the first time in a few years, and remembered how damn useful it has been when I've had to make a journalistic dash from Point A to Point B on a show day, and have been happily able to do so as bulls have lumbered overhead, and families have safely picnicked on its grassy banks. That tunnel is a beloved feature now. I'll kick up a terrible stink if the RHASS ever replaces it. Chain myself to the railings even.

Change is scary, and change coming to light after probably the weirdest two years in this country's modern history is doubly so. Maybe the social media pile-on that RHASS has suffered since it started unveiling its plans for this years momentous 200th anniversary Royal Highland Show is just a collective shudder from a farming community more than a little discomfited by a few uncertain years, bracing itself for the next thing to go wrong.

But maybe, despite the world's recent run of bad results, it is all going to go right? Maybe the push towards pre-bought tickets will finally encourage a better spread of attendance over the four days, and Saturday afternoon next to the M&S pavilion won't feel like human sardines in a hot sweaty sauce?

Maybe the spectacularly airy new Members Pavilion will make those members feel special again, as they gaze out into the main ring, uncluttered with temporary tentage?

Maybe the new Royal Highland Show event app will better inform the general public of all the stuff going on, and help them see and do and eat and drink and learn and laugh more than they would have done without it?

Honestly, hands up who isn't going to go to the Highland because 'its just not the same'? And who is going to give it the benefit of the doubt, pack their best walking shoes, and go see what's new? Count me in the latter category.