Prize winners announced for the Virtual Great Glen Challenge 2021

RSABI has announced the prize winners for their Virtual Great Glen Challenge event.

People across the country walked, cycled, ran and kayaked on Friday 27 August raising over £22,000 to help RSABI provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

The team from United Auctions, which was made up of 33 staff, was the challenge’s biggest team. They won the award for most kilometres completed overall, clocking up an amazing 863 kilometres, and also for the most funds raised overall having raised a fantastic sum of over £5,700.

George Purves, Managing Director of United Auctions said: “Huge thanks to our generous customers who showed their support by donating £5726.  

“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 other prize winners are:

• Landmark Systems team – Allistair Gray, Annabel Wrinch, John Macrae, George Paterson and Kate Adams, won the prize for most kilometres completed per team member
• The Loch Earn Kayakers, Susan Stewart and Lynda MacLean, won for best fancy dress and most funds raised per team member
• RSABI’s own Chair David Leggat received a medal for being the individual who raised the most funds
• Kate Adams from Landmark Systems team won most unusual challenge having completed a marathon walk starting at midnight!
• Callum McVey, aged 3, took home a medal for being the event’s youngest fundraiser, raising a great sum of £155
• Caleb Connell and Callum MacDonald, aged two, took part in the challenge with RSABI Trustee Mairi MacKenzie and were awarded medals for being the event’s youngest participants
• And Ruth Parrack won the prize for the most inspiring challenge having completed her walk with collie Midge on the one-year anniversary of leaving hospital following a hip operation

David Leggat, Chair of RSABI, said: “Congratulations to all our prize winners! Our Virtual Great Glen Challenge surpassed our expectations, raising such a wonderful sum to help support people in the Scottish agricultural industry.

“My sincere thanks go to everyone who took part and made such an effort on the day, and to the hundreds of people who donated to support their friends, family and colleagues.”

Chief Executive Nina Clancy thanked the team at The Scottish Farmer for sponsoring the event. She said: “The team at The Scottish Farmer went over and above to support and promote the Virtual Great Glen Challenge and the fundraiser would not have been such a success without their great enthusiasm and coverage.

“And not only did The Scottish Farmer sponsor the event, they also entered a team who climbed Ben Lomond, while colleagues Darren Bruce and David Boyle put in a fantastic effort with their cycling challenge.”

In previous years RSABI has held an in-person Great Glen Challenge which has raised over £300,000 for the organisation since its launch in 2012. Due to the ongoing pandemic, they decided to hold a virtual challenge this year.

Funds raised by the virtual challenge will help RSABI to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in the Scottish agricultural industry. RSABI’s helpline – 0300 111 4166 – is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm.

Photo Caption: United Auctions staff accept their Virtual Great Glen Challenge award from RSABI Chair David Leggat. Pictured left to right: Ailsa Taylor, RSABI Chair David Leggat, John McCormack and Kirsty Morton