Rural charity RSABI has appointed a new member of staff for the north-east.
The charity, which provides financial assistance to those who have relied on the land in Scotland, has appointed John Matheson to assist in its efforts to raise funds.
Mr Matheson, who farms near Rothiemay in Aberdeenshire, will work on a part-time basis to help the charity raise income via its supporter scheme.
The supporter scheme allows people to donate money to the charity on an annual basis as individual, business or corporate members.
Mr Matheson can be contacted by telephone on 07717 882964 or by email via johnmatheson@rsabi.org.uk.
RSABI development manager Paul Tinson said: “The membership scheme is aimed at individuals, businesses including farms, and corporate organisations donating regularly to RSABI. Last year RSABI helped over 900 people, up from 688 the previous year, a number of whom reside in the north-east, at a cost to the charity of around £600,000.”
Last week the charity revealed its supporters had helped raise nearly a quarter of a million pounds in the past 12 months.
More than £230,000 was raised, including £24,000 at a special gala dinner, for the charity’s Help Us Help Them Campaign. It far exceeds the target total of £150,000.
Fundraising activities carried out to help raise funds have included the RSABI Great Glen Challenge, golf and clay shoot fundraisers across the country and an epic tractor journey around the north coast of Scotland.
RSABI runs a telephone helpline service which offers the farming and land-based community a stress-support service. The dedicated number is 0300 111 4166 and lines are open from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week.