A group of farmers in Easter Ross has donated £2,500 to rural charity RSABI.
The Easter Ross Farmers Club (ERFC) raised the funds at its annual dinner and auction.
More than 60 people attended the event and bid for auction lots including a couple of 600kg bags of fertiliser, nitrogen sensing over a 20-acre area, and a range of contracting services.
Set up in 1811, the ERFC has about 70 members. In the past four years it has raised more than £10,000 for charities by holding an auction and raffle at its annual general meeting.
The club also runs an annual educational excursion to other farming enterprises, as well as hosting a number of social events including on-farm BBQs and pie and pint nights with guest speakers.
Club chairman Dave Gill said: “We were delighted to donate the funds raised from our AGM dinner to RSABI. Chief executive officer Nina Clancy has been kind enough to speak at one of our functions in the past, and highlighted some of the fantastic work RSABI do within the agricultural industry, so we were keen to support the charity and what they do.”
RSABI’s Nina Clancy welcomed the donation and said it would help the charity provide financial assistance and support to people in Scottish agriculture.
She said: “I am delighted to receive this donation on behalf of RSABI. Thank you to all the farmers in Easter Ross Farmers Club, we very much appreciate the support. Our services are in demand now more than ever as agriculture has been particularly hit by hard times, and faces a very uncertain future for some. Rest assured it will be put to good use.”
Ms Clancy said the RSABI support services included a helpline and visits by a case officer or volunteer who will listen, explain and support the person in need both confidentially and without judgement.
The helpline – 0300 111 4166 – is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm.
Any individuals, businesses or organisations wishing to volunteer for or support the charity with a donation are urged to contact rsabi@rsabi.org.uk
