Harvest Thanksgiving for Scotland’s farmers held at St Giles Cathedral
Tractor and combine harvester were in situ on the Royal Mile for an all and no-faith church service tribute to our food producers.
The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) hosted an inaugural Harvest Thanksgiving this Sunday (1st October) at the historic St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. This extraordinary event honoured the hard work of Scottish farmers and primary food producers, whilst highlighting the need to reduce food waste.
The Harvest Thanksgiving event brought the countryside right into the heart of Edinburgh with a tractor and combine harvester on proud display in Parliament Square beside the Cathedral.
The event featured a display of ‘wonky’ seasonal fruits and vegetables, typically rejected by supermarkets, to create a vibrant display. The produce will be generously donated by local farmers from East and West Lothian, afterwards, it will be donated to charities including, The Salvation Army, Cyrenians, and Social Bite.
Open to everyone, the Harvest Thanksgiving featured a heartwarming Sunday all and no-faith service with readings by former RHASS Chaplain Angus Morrison.
The featured tractor was kindly provided by RHASS Director MBE Bill Gray, Preston Hall Farm.
RHASS Chairman, Jim Warnock, commented:
“Our first Harvest Thanksgiving celebration will celebrate the resilience and tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, all while supporting great charities. RHASS champions rural Scotland and all those who work in it, and at this time of year they are under huge pressure. Join us at St Giles Cathedral this Sunday to show our appreciation for those who put food on our tables.”
The Harvest Festival service was led by Rev Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister of St Giles' Cathedral.
She said: “We are very excited that we have been able to work closely together with the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland to draw the attention of passers-by, not only to our Harvest Festival Service on Sunday which they are welcome to join, but also to highlight the vital role that Scottish farmers play in providing great quality food.
“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.
“We are also very grateful to local farmers for all the donations of vegetables that will be used to decorate the sanctuary of St Giles' Cathedral for Harvest Sunday which will be later given to people most in need.”