Scots rural charity RSABI has called on members of the agricultural and wider rural business community to get together and form teams to compete in this year’s Great Glen Challenge.
The charity, which provides financial assistance and support to those who have relied on the land, is looking for 25 rural organisations or businesses to compete in the one-day team challenge on Friday, August 25.
Now in its sixth year and organised with support from law firm Ledingham Chalmers, the challenge involves competitors biking, kayaking, walking and running the 46 kilometres along the Great Glen Way from Fort Augustus to the finish and prize-giving at Banavie, by Fort William.
RSABI said fundraising from the event in the past two years had helped raise more than £112,000 for the charity.
The top title at last year’s event, which raised more than £50,000 for the charity, went to a team from Watsons Seeds, with teams from CKD Galbraith landing the second and third place spots.
RSABI development manager, Paul Tinson, said: “We’re excited to be launching our sixth Great Glen Challenge. It’s a real testament to the support from the sector that so many fantastic businesses and organisations have competed in past years.
“This August looks set to be just as popular as ever, and with enquiries from new teams already received, we could be looking at a new winner for 2017 to follow Watson Seeds last year.”
The charity is on the hunt for 25 teams of four to take part in this year’s challenge. Early applications are encouraged and more information is available online at www.rsabi.org.uk.
The charity’s helpline – 0300 111 4166 – is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm.
Run with help from the Farm Community Network, the helpline provides a single point of enquiry handling everything from questions about the benefits system and sources of help on farming issues, to delivering support on critical personal matters, including money troubles and emotional distress.