Over £20,000 raised for RSABI in Virtual Great Glen Challenge

From midnight walks to mastering Munro’s, dedicated teams gathered on Friday, August 27, to take part in a range of activities for the Virtual Great Glen Challenge, racking up hundreds of miles for a brilliant cause.

Read more: RSABI shortlisted in Scottish Charity Awards 2021

In previous years, teams would gather for a day of running, walking, cycling, and kayaking to take part in a head-to-head challenge, but given the ongoing pandemic, the event moved virtually for the first time.

Despite not meeting in person, it didn’t faze competitors from setting their own unique targets and pursuing individual activities, joining with colleagues, family, and friends to mark the occasion.

As the Scottish Farmer went to press on Wednesday afternoon, the fundraising pot sat at £20,400 – with the fundraising platform Enthuse remaining open to allow further donations for another few days.

This fantastic sum of money will help the organisation to provide much-needed emotional, practical, and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

After 18 months of cancelled events and activities, charities like RSABI have struggled to raise funds through traditional means, making the virtual challenge all the more vital to supporting the important work that RSABI provides.

Read more: RSABI encourage people to keep talking

Topping the team charts on the day was United Auctions, with 33 members of staff from across the company taking part, running, walking, and cycling a total of 536 miles across Scotland.

They smashed their team target of £3000, raising a whopping £5,000 for RSABI, and hope to still raise further funds yet.

A special mention must go to the team of seven from Dalmally, led by John McCormack, who managed to clock up 80 miles after a busy lamb sale at Dalmally Auction Mart.

UA's Dalmally team

This is the fifth time that United Auctions have taken part in the Great Glen Challenge with their fundraising now totalling more than £19,000.

Managing Director, George Purves said: “What a terrific day for the team who rose to the challenge to beat our 500-mile target, especially to the Dalmally team who worked hard around the sale day to log their miles. Thank you to everyone who took part and huge thanks to our generous customers who showed their support by donating more than £5000.

“This level of commitment from staff and supporters shows how important the RSABI’s work is to everyone in the agricultural community. We’re pleased to know that the funds raised will go towards helping our fellow agricultural workers, farmers, and crofters in need of support in these difficult times.”

The Scottish Farmer’s own team of seven hill walkers and two cyclists racked up over 300km on the day and have so far raised over £1635 for RSABI.

Individual cyclists Darren Bruce and David Boyle topped the overall individual charts, accruing 230km between them as they cycled from Bridge of Orchy to Glasgow – with trillions of midges in tow.

Scottish Farmer's Darren Bruce and David Boyle

The seven other members of the SF team conquered Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southernly Munro, and were met at the bottom of the hike with a delicious BBQ in the sunshine, courtesy of editor Ken Fletcher.

One of the advantages of having a virtual event this year meant teams were able to be flexible with when they could take part. Loch Earn kayakers Lynda MacLean and Susan Stewart completed a 14-mile kayak around the shoreline of Loch Earn on Sunday, August 22, in 80’s dress-up gear and were met at the end with bacon rolls and champagne. Together they have so far raised £1400 for RSABI.

Loch Earn Kayakers

The official Landmark Systems Ltd Team made up of Allistair Gray, George Paterson, John Macrae, Annabel Wrinch & Kate Adams had a very successful day participating in the VGGC, walking, running, and cycling their way to a total of 215.6km and £755 in the fundraising pot.

John Macrae after his 40km cycle

Annabel Wrinch completed a half marathon, Kate Adams completed an overnight full marathon, George Paterson walked 9km up Bennachie, John Macrae cycled just under 40km ending his journey at RSABI’s office and Allistair Gray cycled almost 53 miles and then took part in a 6-mile race which he finished in 37 minutes.

Sales & Training Consultant, Allistair Gray, commented: “We set a donation target of £500 and managed to achieve 151% with £755 raised to date. Internally many colleagues embraced the challenge and did some activities during the week, which was great to see too!”

Grace Reid and Jen Craig from the National Sheep Association accumulated 40km between them during a night-time quest starting at Kinross’ Loch Leven Heritage Trail, raising over £500 for the charity.

All smiles after a 10km run for Campbell McCaig and Sheena Horner

Sheena Horner of Galloway Chillies is no stranger to racking up miles and money for RSABI, having captained Team Scotland earlier this January for the Run1000 challenge. Taking part in the VGGC, she achieved a personal best in a 10km run and was joined in her efforts by Campbell McCaig.

RSABI Case Officer Mary Anne McWilliam recruited Karen, Lucy, Jean, and Gillian to the Colfin Trekkers Team, who walked around 9km and finished up with tea and a cream scone!

The ladies from Colfin Trekkers

There was also plenty of individual efforts to mark the occasion, with Gregor Caldwell completing a 10km run in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside, whilst Colin Campbell cycled 13.8km.

Colin Campbell took to his bike for the challenge

One of the youngest competitors on the day was three-year-old Callum McVey who ran around his garden path 15 times, raising a fantastic £155.

A fantastic effort by Callum McVey

Managing Director of Scottish Pig Producers Andy McGowan kayaked 15km on the Union Canal from Linlithgow to the Avon Viaduct and RSABI Trustee Hamish Lean cycled an impressive 100km in the Aberdeenshire countryside, raising over £900 for his efforts.

An impressive distance in the kayak by Andy McGowan

Fellow RSABI Trustee Robin Dandie and his son Kenneth embarked on the 2200ft summit of Cat Law, which divides the Highlands and Lowlands, and Sharon Stewart, Fiona Turnbull, and Tricia Greer hiked to the top of Ben Ledi.

Ben Ledi finishers

Ruth Parrack took part in the challenge with her personal trainer and four-legged furry friend, Midge! She commented: “Two years ago I had to give up shepherding owing to the need for a new hip. One year ago, the dog was in kennels and I couldn't cross a room without a stick. August 27 was the first anniversary of my leaving Dumfries RI with a shiny new joint - walking to the top of Tynron Doon (the steep way) seemed a good way to celebrate! It was a beautiful evening and both I and the dog really enjoyed the walk.”

A fantastic achievement by Ruth and Midge

Christine Bowie and Bill Arnot completed a run through ladybank woods, having cycled and ran in previous Great Glen Challenges.

Well done Christine and Bill

RSABI Vice-Chair, Jimmy McLean, took on the 4 Abbeys Cycle Route with his wife Jane and daughters Laura, Grace, and Amy. He said: “The day started cold, but it warmed up by lunchtime and the afternoon was lovely. We took a circular route from Melrose to Dryburgh then on to Kelso and Jedburgh before finishing back in Melrose. The scenery was beautiful but hilly. We cycled 94.1km in total but with climbs of over 4000ft - at times it did feel like cycling up Ben Nevis! It was great fun though and all for an excellent cause.”

An impressive show of cycling by the McLean gang

RSABI’s Office & Volunteer Manager, Lorraine Caven, started her VGGC with a walk at midnight with daughter Kira and then completed another walk before starting work at 9 am to clock up 11km in total. She celebrated completing her challenge with some prosecco with friends in the garden after work!

RSABI's Lorraine Caven took part in a midnight walk

Development Officer Margo Wills was on holiday in the Outer Hebrides on the day of the challenge and walked to the Eilean Glas lighthouse on the Isle of Harris and RSABI trustee Mairi Mackenzie cycled over 30km in the Highlands, with support from family including two two-year-olds – grandson Caleb Connell and his cousin Callum Macdonald.

Top work from Caleb and Callum

RSABI Chair David Leggat climbed Ben Lawers, the highest peak in the Southern Highlands, alongside Ian Duncan Miller.

He said: “We’ve been blown away by the response to our Virtual Great Glen Challenge, and the sum of money raised so far is fantastic. Once again, the agricultural community has gone above and beyond to raise funds for RSABI.

“It was wonderful to see all the activity on Friday 27 August, with people taking on an incredible challenge to raise funds. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, and all who have donated supporting the tremendous efforts of friends, family, and colleagues.”

David and Ian at the summit of Ben Lawers

The fundraising pages of all the above individuals and teams will remain open for a further few days if you would like to contribute to any of their efforts, plus you can find out more about the many others who also participated on the day.

You can support the challenge at: https://rsabi.enthuse.com/cf/great-glen-challenge-2021