Star Role for Trainee Auctioneer at Farmers’ Choir Charity Concert

The special event, kindly sponsored by family-run machinery business, Stewart Trailers, takes place on February 22, 2025, and promises not only an uplifting musical experience but also the excitement of an auction featuring some generously donated lots.

Leading the auction will be trainee auctioneer Harvey Stuart, who is embracing this unique opportunity to gain valuable experience. Harvey, a full-time trainee auctioneer with ANM Group at Thainstone and soon-to-be university student, is very much looking forward to the occasion.

“I chose auctioneering as a career because I grew up on a farm in Glenlivet, working with cattle and sheep all my life. As a youngster, I liked coming to the mart and selling cattle with my dad and the rest of my family, so I’ve always been interested. I like the way it worked and wanted to know more about it.

“In the next few years, I’m looking forward to selling regularly and getting a shot at selling sheep. I really enjoy it and its good fun being out on the road canvassing, meeting new people, new farmers, and new customers. Every farmer is different, so it’s good to get to know them and how they farm and there’s nothing better than a big sale day at Thainstone - there’s a big buzz around the ring.

"I’m looking forward to next month and to taking on the role of auctioneer at the Farmers’ Choir Concert. It’s an incredible opportunity for me, and I’m excited to contribute to such a meaningful event supporting a cause so deeply valued by our community."

The auction will include a range of exciting lots:

• Go Karting and Clays for 6 people at Lochter Activity Centre
• Return trip for 2 on Northlink Ferries, including car and cabin
• Hospitality for 8 at Inverurie Loco Works Football Club
• Three nights at Foinaven House, Ullapool
• Cook School for 6 at Glenkindie Larder
• A 3-ball to play with the captain at Cruden Bay Golf Club, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

RSABI Chair Jane Mitchell said: “We wish the best of luck to Harvey this year at university and thank him for being our auctioneer at the concert. This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors and supporters, particularly those who have donated such wonderful lots for the auction. We’re looking forward to an evening of music and camaraderie, bringing the farming community together during what is often a challenging time of year.”

The concert, part of RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign, will feature the 80-strong Farmers’ Choir performing much-loved classics from popular musicals, hosted by farmer-comedian and RSABI #KeepTalking Ambassador Jim Smith. Sponsors include headline sponsor Stewart Trailers, alongside Harbro, East Coast Viners, Mackie’s, Farmlay, and Malcolm Allan Housebuilders.

A limited number of tickets are still available for those who are interested in attending the event. Tickets are priced at £25 and include a free programme and entry into RSABI’s programme prize draw, with a year’s supply of chocolate and ice cream from Mackie’s as the top prize. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards supporting RSABI’s vital services to help people in the Scottish agricultural community who are facing tough times.

Tickets are available to purchase via EventBrite where additional event details can also be found.

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.