Farmers’ Choir Concert Strikes a Chord, Raising over £34,000 for RSABI and SAYFC’s Big Build

The recent RSABI Farmers’ Choir Charity Concert raised £34,131 for two rural causes during an uplifting evening of music, community and generosity at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.

The event, kindly sponsored by Highland Industrial Supplies (HIS), featured more than 80 members of the Farmers’ Choir from across rural Scotland, performing a lively programme of well-known cover songs to a packed audience. The concert was hosted by Scottish comedian and Perthshire farmer Jim Smith, whose humour kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.

A highlight of the night was the live charity auction, led by 22-year-old auctioneer Farquhar MacRae, supported by Donald Young from United Auctions. With a range of generously donated prizes up for grabs, including a three-night stay at Foinaven House in Ullapool, a Black Isle Show VIP experience for two, and a four ball at Macdonald Spey Valley, the auction added extra excitement while helping boost the final fundraising total. The event also featured an online auction in the lead-up to the concert, allowing supporters who were unable to attend in person to still contribute to the fundraising effort.

The concert raised vital funds for RSABI, the charity that supports people involved in Scottish agriculture, The event also supported the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), with 50% of net ticket sales contributing towards the Big Build – the campaign to create a new permanent centre for Scotland’s Young Farmers at the Royal Highland Showground.

Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, said:

“It was wonderful to see so many people from across the farming community coming together for the concert in Aviemore to support RSABI and The Big Build.

“The generosity shown on the night, through ticket sales, the auction and donations, helped raise an incredible £34,131. We’re extremely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support, as well as everyone who attended and those who contributed to the event, all of whom made the evening such a success.

“The funds raised will go a long way in enabling RSABI to continue providing vital practical, financial and emotional support to people across Scottish agriculture, ensuring those who need help can access it when they need it most.”

Kate Picken MBE, choirmaster of the Farmers’ Choir, said:

“I’d like to extend a massive thank you to the RSABI team and everyone involved in organising the event. We enjoyed our weekend in Aviemore and the organisation of the event was absolutely superb.

“It was a real pleasure to perform in support of both RSABI and SAYFC’s Big Build, both causes close to the hearts of our members. As a choir we are passionate about bringing people in agriculture together through music, and promoting good mental health across the industry, so evenings like this, filled with singing, laughter and community spirit, mean a lot to us all.

“We were delighted with how the concert went and have received lots of lovely feedback. We look forward to supporting future events.”

RSABI provides free practical, financial and emotional support – including counselling services – to people involved in Scottish agriculture. Support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls will not appear on phone bills) or through the confidential webchat service at www.rsabi.org.uk.

Main image: Connor Comrie from Highland Industrial Supplies who sponsored the RSABI Farmers Choir pictured with Pauline Macmillan and Nicola Youngson from RSABI.Picture by Graeme Hart.Copyright Perthshire Picture Agency.