The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) was founded in Edinburgh in 1784 as the Highland Society of Edinburgh. The Society was formed 2 years after the repeal of the Dress Act of 1746, at a time when there was renewed interest in Highland culture. It was formed largely in reaction to the subsistence crises of 1782/3 when many of the estates in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland were not producing enough food to feed tenants.
The Society is responsible for organising the annual Royal Highland Show.
Famous members include Sir Walter Scott and James MacDonald, secretary from 1893 to 1912.