Projects and charities across Dumfries and Galloway have received thousands of pounds in donations thanks to NFU Scotland’s centenary celebrations.

Members from the region raised £1,100 from local centenary events held during 2013 and 2014, including donations at local agricultural shows, a stock-judging competition and farm walks.

Cheques totalling £700 were handed to local branches of Macmillan Cancer Support, the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) and Marie Curie last week.

The remaining funds were added to thousands more that members across the country generously donated through their annual subscription in 2013, contributing to the NFU Scotland’s Centenary Trust.

The Trust has allocated more than £189,000 to nearly 60 projects nationwide, including the Queensberry Initiative, Thornhill which will receive £15,000 over two years for its Connecting with the Countryside Project. The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), Annan, received a donation of £4,331 towards its Classroom to Countryside Safety project,

Established in the Union’s centenary year, the objectives of the Trust were to encourage as many children as possible to learn more about where their food and drink comes from and to visit a farm in 2013; to educate farmers, their employees and their children on health and safety in the countryside, with a special emphasis on children’s safety; and to assist in bringing forward a meaningful apprentice programme that supports farmers and their employees.

Regional Manager for Dumfries and Galloway, Isla Flanagan said: “NFUS is grateful to all Dumfries and Galloway members for their generosity in supporting these three wonderful charities.

“It is fantastic to see the donations being distributed locally and very pleasing that worthwhile projects in the region such as the Queensberry Initiative and RHET have been boosted by substantial donations via the national NFUS Centenary Trust.”

Notes to Editors

• Photographs are available on request. Please contact media@nfus.org.uk or 0131 472 4108.
• The Queensberry Initiative received £15,000 over two years for its Connecting with the Countryside project.  http://www.queensberryinitiative.co.uk/contact.php
• The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Dumfries and Galloway was approved a total of £4,331 for its Classroom to Countryside Safety. http://www.rhet.org.uk/Teachers%2finyourarea/dumfries

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Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108