On the 25th of August, 24 teams from the Scottish agricultural industry will take part in RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge – a multi-sport event between Fort Augustus and Fort William.
The teams are raising money for RSABI, which supports people in agriculture across Scotland. They aim to raise £50,000 for the event, which is sponsored by rural legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.
£18,000 has been raised already and RSABI is encouraging supporters to dig deep and get behind those taking part in the challenge. Competing teams of four, with a support drive, will take on a 49km mountain biking course, 6km of kayaking, 18km walking and a 17km run.
After competing last year, Gillespie Macandrew has this year signed up two teams – GMac Movers and GMac Shakers. NFU Scotland has entered three teams, while SP Energy Networks has two teams taking part.
Others taking part include Bell Ingram, Bidwells LLP, the Crofting Commission, Davidson & Robertson, James Hutton Institute, Johnston Carmichael, Royal Bank of Scotland, SAC Consulting, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (north region), Scottish Woodlands, Tarff Valley, Thomson Cooper Accountants, Thorntons, and Virgin Money. Last year’s winners, Team Shannoch, will also be back to try to retain their position at the top of the Great Glen leaderboard.
People’s Ford is kindly providing a Ford Ranger to the fleet of support vehicles while letting agents Rettie & Co is sponsoring the route and map creators.
According to the RSABI, the event not only offers a unique team-building opportunity, it also highlights the importance of physical and mental health. Carol McLaren, RSABI chief executive, said: “There is something very special about the Great Glen Challenge and we are delighted with the way that so many people from different parts of Scottish agriculture are this year getting behind it.
“Everyone is busy and for so many people to make time to support our flagship fundraising event of the year means a great deal. Our thanks also go to everyone who kindly sponsors the teams and a special thanks to Gillespie Macandrew, our overall event sponsor this year.
“Our thanks also go to the volunteers who help us run the event, our media partners, The Scottish Farmer, and all those who have already generously donated to the competing teams. Donations have been coming in thick and fast, setting us in good stead to reach our ambitious £50,000 target.”
For more information, and to donate, go to www.rsabi.org.uk