Scottish charity RSABI is extending its thanks to the 135 or so competitors, and support team members, who are set to take part in this year’s Great Glen Challenge, kindly sponsored by Gillespie Macandrew.

This year’s event, on August 30, has attracted an unprecedented demand for places and the charity is extending its thanks to all those who are taking part, with sights now set on helping competitors achieve their fundraising targets.

Last year’s event raised over £50,000 towards the work of RSABI which provides practical, emotional, and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture. Our goal for the2024 event is to surpass this amount and take the total amount raised since the event was launched to over £500,000.

The charity is urging people to really get behind those who are training for the big event and donate generously to support the 27 dedicated teams preparing to take on the Great Glen in support of people working in agriculture.

The RSABI Great Glen Challenge 2024 will see competing teams of four plus a support driver take on a day jam-packed with activity. The multi-sport event will put competitors’ endurance to the test against a stunning backdrop as 27 teams race from Fort Augustus to Fort William. Travelling a collective 90km by cycle, kayak and foot, the triumphant team members will claim their prize at a memorable ceremony at Neptune’s Staircase.

Before the event gets underway kind-hearted competitors are aiming to raise a collective £50,000 on behalf of RSABI, which offers practical, emotional and financial support to people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry.

With just weeks to go until the challenge takes place, RSABI is calling for supporters to donate to the participating teams to help them reach and hopefully exceed their target, while providing motivation for their training.

The participants represent a range of roles in Scottish agriculture, united by the desire to support RSABI’s work while enjoying an adventure along the way. This year’s competitors include returning teams who have taken part in previous competitions and newcomers such as Women in Agriculture Scotland, who are putting forward a team for the first time.

Others taking part include Virgin Money, Thomson Cooper, SP Energy Networks, Scottish Woodlands Ltd, SAC Consulting, Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), Royal Bank of Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), NFU Scotland, Muckle Media, MHA Edinburgh, Johnston Carmichael, Crofting Commission, Blackhall & Powis, Bidwells, Begbies Traynor, Bank of Scotland, Azets and Agrovista.

As well as offering an event with a unique team-building spirit, the Great Glen Challenge also highlights the importance of keeping fit to maintaining good physical and mental health.

Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew, who provide specialist legal and tax advice to rural businesses in Scotland, are sponsoring the event for the second consecutive year and are also competing and volunteering at the event.

Pauline Macmillan, RSABI’s Head of Fundraising, said: “With just over a month to go until this year’s Great Glen Challenge, we’d like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who’s supported our participants so far, as well as our generous sponsors Gillespie Macandrew.

“The Challenge is set to be an exhilarating, memorable and inspiring event which will see our competitors push themselves to their limits, all in the name of raising much-needed funds to support our rural communities. We are very grateful indeed to everyone taking part and supporting the event in so many different ways, including the band of volunteers who will help the RSABI team deliver the activities on the day.”

Lois Newton, Partner of Land and Rural Business at Gillespie Macandrew, and RSABI trustee, said: “It is great to see so many enthusiastic organisations come together to compete in the Great Glen Challenge. The unprecedented demand for places this year is a testament to how special and unique this event truly is, which is instrumental in raising important funds as well as awareness of RSABI and the excellent work that they do. We wish all the participants the very best of luck in their fundraising endeavours and training, and look forward to seeing everyone on the day.”

The Scottish Farmer is again kindly media partner for the event, while letting agents Rettie & Co have supported with this year’s route and map creations

Individuals keen to follow the teams’ progress and make a donation can find further information here: https://rsabi.enthuse.com/cf/great-glen-challenge-2024 or you can text GREATGLEN to 70450 to donate £10 to the overall challenge.

RSABI provides emotional support, including a free counselling service, as well as practical and financial support. The free, confidential support service is available 24/7 by calling 0808 1234 555 or using the webchat service on the RSABI website.