Loch Lomond hill farmer Caitlin Ross and her partner Allan McKenzie have raised an astonishing £13,340 for RSABI and Diabetes UK by hosting a stockjudging event.
The event, hosted by Luss Estates, was held in memory of Caitlin’s sister Iona and mum Shona, who they lost in March and May earlier this year.
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The charities will receive £6,670 each after more than 300 people attended on November 11 after the original October date was postponed because of Storm Babet.
Alongside a stock judging competition, there was also a raffle with a number of donations from local businesses. An auction was held by local farmers Louise McArthur and Jamie Pirie, each donating a sheep and donating the money made to the charities.
The stock judging cash prizes were kindly sponsored by Hamlisch MacKinnon Fencing and Endrick Vets.
Caitlin works on two farms at Loch Lomond with their dad Ian and brother Calum. She said that as well as raising funds for the charities, she wanted to encourage local farmers to enjoy time together during winter.
“We had a lot more people attend than we ever imagined, and it was great to get so many local farmers and friends together. A lot of people said they got to catch up with people they hadn’t seen in years, which was one of the main reasons I wanted to host the event.”
RSABI’s head of fundraising Pauline Macmillan said: “We’re very grateful to Caitlin for her fundraising efforts and for raising such a brilliant total to support RSABI’s work.
“Our thanks also go to everyone who attended and supported the stock-judging event at Luss Estate. The amazing sum raised for RSABI will go towards providing vital emotional, practical and financial support to those who need it in Scottish agriculture.”
For more information go to www.rsabi.org.uk.
