AS The Scottish Farmer hits the news-stands this Friday, 17 intrepid teams representing Scotland's rural sector will be embarking on RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge 2022.

The teams of four, plus a support driver, will be competing in four stages – a cycle of 46km, a kayak of 6km, a walk of 18km and a run of 17km – all the way from Fort Augustus to Fort William, finishing up at 'Neptune’s Staircase' on the Caledonian Canal.

The teams have taken up this arduous challenge to raise funds to help RSABI provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry.

Thanks to donations from over 200 people, the teams have already raised a fantastic sum of over £18,000, but fundraising will continue through the event and its aftermath.

The teams competing are:

  • For Our Growers – Agrovista;
  • Azets;
  • The B Team – Bank of Scotland;
  • Begbies Traynor;
  • Commission Commandos – Crofting Commission;
  • Galbraith Goats – Galbraith;
  • Galbraith Gazelles – Galbraith;
  • Gillespie Macandrew;
  • James Hutton Institute;
  • Johnston Carmichael;
  • Royal Bank of Scotland;
  • T2 – SAC Premium Subscription – SAC Consulting;
  • T1 – SAC Basic Subscription – SAC Consulting;
  • SAYFC Team North;
  • Strutting our Stuff – Strutt & Parker;
  • Team Shannock;
  • Team Tarff – Tarff Valley.

RSABI chair David Leggat said that the charity was looking forward to welcoming teams back to the Great Glen Challenge for the first time since 2019.

“We’ve very much missed welcoming teams to the Great Glen the past few years. The friendly competition and camaraderie between those taking part is brilliant to see, and is always evident – come rain or shine!

Read more: RSABI launches 'Challenges' to celebrate 125-year anniversary

“The event raises many thousands of pounds for RSABI, which helps us to provide vital support services such as our Help for Heating grants, support to access counselling for those struggling with their mental wellbeing and our 24-hour helpline.”

You can help the teams reach the fundraising target by scanning the QR code attached here or by going to https://rsabi.enthuse.com/cf/rsabi-great-glen-challenge-2022

RSABI is also encouraging people to get involved in their #Challenge125 initiative, which has recently been extended to run until December 2, when the organisation will be holding a special fundraising dinner as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations. You can choose to complete kilometres however you like and contribute to the overall goal of clocking up 125,000km. Just email RSABI a note of your activities at rsabi@rsabi.org.uk or sign up through its website.