TICKETS are now on sale for a Farmers’ Choir concert which is set to raise people’s spirits at the start of 2024, as well as raising funds for Scottish agriculture charity RSABI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

Compered by well-known farmer and comedian, Jim Smith, and kindly sponsored by leading livestock auctioneers, United Auctions, the performance will be at Perth Concert Hall on Sunday, February 25, starting at 7:30pm and will feature a range of well-known songs.

It will be the first time the full Farmers’ Choir - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year - has performed at Perth Concert Hall. The Choir has supported many excellent rural initiatives over the years and the Perth event will tie in with RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign to encourage people to reconnect and look out for each other.

The idea for the concert first came when Perthshire farmer David Mitchell and his wife Janie, a member of the choir, hatched a plan to raise funds for two charities close to their hearts. Their plans were delayed, due to COVID, but reignited during a chance conversation earlier this year with RSABI CEO, Carol McLaren.

Choirmaster Kate Picken MBE, a music teacher from a farm in Dumfries and Galloway, said the choir is delighted to be supporting RSABI and SCAA and looking forward to performing in Perth in February.

“We are also very much looking forward to sharing a stage with Jim Smith for an evening that is sure to entertain, and to supporting RSABI with its important #KeepTalking message. Promoting good mental health in agriculture is something which as a choir we are very keen to get behind and the combination of singing, music, laughter and getting everyone together when the nights are dark, could be a great tonic.”

Chair of RSABI, Jimmy McLean, extended his heartfelt thanks to event sponsors United Auctions and all the performers taking part in the evening.

“We’re very grateful to the Farmers’ Choir for their longstanding support and for all the excellent work they do to help raise awareness of the work of RSABI.

“The Choir’s uplifting performances bring with them a positive message of hope and encouragement which is really important.

“Our thanks also go to our wonderful ambassador Jim Smith for kindly volunteering his time to be our compere at the concert.”

SCAA community fundraising officer for Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, Claire Taylor, said the charity was delighted to have been chosen as a beneficiary of the Famers’ Choir concert.

“Like the Farmers’ Choir, SCAA marked its 10th anniversary this year and it is the ongoing support from groups, businesses and individuals, like the Farmers’ Choir and United Auctions, that have helped us to respond to over 5,300 life-saving call outs throughout Scotland during this time.

“SCAA’s life-saving service is only possible thanks to the ongoing generosity from the people of Scotland, and special events like this help to ensure we are there for the people of Scotland when we are needed most.

“We wish the performers taking part in the Farmers’ Choir all the best on the night and warmly encourage the public to attend what is shaping up to be a wonderful evening at Perth Concert Hall.”