Visitors to this year’s Royal Highland Show are being encouraged to use their time away from the farm to visit to RSABI’s Health Hut.

The Health Hut initiative is being rolled out by the agricultural charity to encourage farmers, and others in Scottish agriculture, to think about their wellbeing and get the benefit of advice and support from the team of medical professionals working with RSABI.

Given many farmers work in remote locations with long working hours, the Health Hut brings them the opportunity to have a general health check including having their blood pressure taken and to confidentially discuss any concerns they may have, without having to book an appointment.

The RSABI Health Hut will be located next to the SAYFC building at the Royal Highland Show and this year’s activity by the team of Health Hut nurses, all with farming backgrounds, will include a focus on alcohol and responsible drinking. Working with DrinkAware and Alcohol Focus Scotland, one of the highlights will be an interactive display demonstrating how much is in a unit of alcohol.

With the show being one of the key industry touch points for much of the agricultural community, RSABI is encouraging show-goers to take the time to think about their health while they are off-farm.

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Carol McLaren, RSABI chief executive, said: “We’re pleased to bring our Health Hut, led by practice nurse Irene Scott, to the Royal Highland Show which we know for many Scottish farmers is the one time of year they manage to take time away from their work.

“When you factor in long working hours, tiredness, and isolation, too often farmers and others working in agriculture put off taking steps when there is a concern but the earlier they take action the better the chances are of tackling the problem. By introducing the Heath Hut at a time and place convenient to them, we are able to reach those who may otherwise ignore symptoms that could be serious if left untreated.”

The Health Hut initiative has grown considerably following a pilot at the Royal Highland Show in 2023 and RSABI now has a team of nurses and GPs, all with a shared passion for health and farming, around the country.

“We have been encouraged by farmers engagement with our Health Huts at shows and marts to date, many of which have gone on to seek further medical advice or have taken steps to improve their health after consulting with our Health Hut team.”

The charity’s innovative 'Stress Bucket' will also return to the show along as part of a range of initiatives by the charity to encourage good mental health.

The bespoke 'Stress Bucket', made from recycled farm materials and designed to raise awareness around mental health in agriculture, focuses on the common causes of stress build-up experienced in farming. It displays in a simple and engaging way how stress can be reduced through steps such as exercise, good sleep, a balanced diet, and talking with a friend or family member.

RSABI will be located at the main Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) stand, next to the Members Pavilion. The show is providing the SAYFC with the perfect platform to launch its ‘Respect’ campaign, supported by RSABI. The initiative has been introduced to encourage every young farmer to play their part in positively contributing to SAYFC as a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for all members by reminding them of the importance of being respectful to themselves and to others.

In support of the campaign, RSABI has committed to providing 150 young farmers from clubs across Scotland, with alcohol awareness training, working with other charities which specialise in these areas, and will also be handing out campaign merchandise from their stand at the show.

Visitors to RSABI’s stand will also be encouraged to think about the benefits of taking a break from the farm via a competition to win a four-night stay for up to six people in a luxury family pod, kindly donated by Lothian Glamping.

Members of RSABI’s welfare team will be on the stand each day and there will be a quiet space to go to, to explain the support it can offer. The RSABI stand will also be welcoming some of the teams taking part in its Great Glen Challenge in August including Challenge sponsors, Gillespie Macandrew.

RSABI offers free practical, financial and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. RSABI has a 24-hour freephone Helpline – 0808 1234 555 – and confidential webchat service, available on its website www.rsabi.org.uk.