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The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) Strathclyde Presidential Initiative (PI), has wrapped-up it’s one-year tenure by presenting donations totally £137k to four agricultural charities.
The vital funds were raised earlier this year at the PI’s charity dinner held at the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood and have now been divided between RHASS partner charities; the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ (SAYFC) Big Build, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), RSABI, and Farmstrong Scotland.
The PI team’s unique charity dinner auction prizes played a key role in helping to raise the funds which included a selection of luxury experiences, exclusive sports memorabilia, whisky collections and agricultural prizes.
George Lyon, RHASS President, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the individual members and local companies who were so generous in their sponsorship and support for our Strathclyde RHASS charity dinner.
“The £137,000 we raised for our agriculture charities far exceeded our expectations and we are delighted to be able to generously support our four agriculture charities.
“The Presidential team decided to give £39,000 each to RSABI, RHET and SAYFC Big Build.
We also gave Farmstrong £20,000 on the understanding it would trigger match funding from Movember which would increase the value of the award to £40,000.
“The Strathclyde Presidency comes to an end on the 16th July and the baton is handed over to Aberdeen. I would just like to thank all of our team who worked so hard over the last year to make our Presidency a success.”
As well as helping give sector charities a significant funding boost, the Strathclyde Presidential Initiative for 2025 also saw the team deliver a series of events focused on agriculture’s journey to Net Zero, including a parliamentary reception and working with farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses to showcase and promote the latest innovations that are helping the industry to reduce its carbon footprint.
James Logan, Chair of RHASS, said: “Our 2025 Presidential Initiative team have done a wonderful job of helping to shine a light on the sector’s drive towards net zero through some brilliant events. More than that, they have also helped raise vital funds for organisations that provide indispensable services for those across the sector and help to champion farming and rural life. We thank George, especially, for the energy and drive he has brought to the role and the entire Presidential Team who have helped to make what’s been achieved this year, possible.”
Katrina Barclay, Executive Officer of RHET, said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been selected to receive this generous donation from the RHASS PI team who have raised incredible amount. Supporting the work of our charity in this way helps to keep our free food and farming learning available to school children all over Scotland. We need to raise about £500k each year so this donation is very welcome!”
Penny Montgomerie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, said: “SAYFC are incredibly grateful that our ‘Big Build’ project was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Presidential Initiative Funding. The generosity and support shown by RHASS and the agricultural community through this fundraiser is so encouraging and has taken us one big step closer to our aim of building a new home for Scotland’s Young Farmers.”
Alix Ritchie, Farmstrong Scotland Director, said: “We are incredibly grateful to RHASS and everyone who supported the Presidential Initiative Dinner for this remarkable fundraising achievement. The huge amount of money raised will make a real difference to farmers and crofters across Scotland.
“As we all know, it’s a sector that comes with unique pressures and challenges, and these funds will help us continue connecting more people with our helpful resources and peer support – farmers and crofters who can offer understanding and practical guidance because they’ve faced similar situations themselves.
“The agricultural community’s generosity demonstrates the sector’s commitment to looking after its own, and we’re honoured to have been chosen to be part of this important initiative alongside SAYFC, RHET, and RSABI.
Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said: “The Strathclyde Presidential team really went above and beyond over the past year, and we are hugely grateful to them for the exceptional amount raised. As a charity we very much depend on the support of people in Scottish agriculture to allow us to do the work we do to provide financial, practical and emotional support to people going through tough times, and this donation means a great deal.”
