Rural companies are going the extra mile for Scotland’s rural charity

There are only nine days to go until three NFU Scotland teams cycle, run, walk and canoe their way around an arduous 60km course set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

In total, 12 teams will get on their bikes, pull on their running shoes, lace up their hiking boots and polish their paddles to take part in this year’s Great Glen Rural Challenge on Friday 30 August, raising funds for Scotland’s rural charity, RSABI.

The Union’s teams – made up of officeholders, head office staff and local branch secretaries – are finalising their preparations and making one last push for sponsorship.

NFU Scotland’s Vice President Allan Bowie, who will be joined by his wife Christine on one of the road cycling legs, said:

“This is a fantastic event, pulling together teams from across the industry, for a challenging day in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

“But there is a serious side to it as well and the work RSABI does in supporting those who live and work in Scotland’s countryside is valued by all the teams taking part.  That support has never been more valued than in the past year when the touch economic climate and extreme weather has challenged many rural families.

“All donations will help keep up the great work that RSABI does and make the blood, sweat, blisters and saddle sores seem worth it in the end.” 

Ends

Notes to Editors

 NFU Scotland’s Head Office Team One will be led by Mrs Christine Bowie while Team Two will be led by husband (and Vice President) Allan Bowie.  Joining Mrs Bowie’s team is Jake Sayles from the Skye office, Director of Policy Jonnie Hall and Policy Manager Andrew Bauer.  In Mr Bowie’s team are Graham Ford from the Skye office, Policy Manager John Sleigh and Communications Director Bob Carruth. Donations to the two NFUS teams can be made at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TeamNFUScotland

 The East of Scotland Blowers are a team of Group Secretaries led by Phil Daughtrey (Cupar), and including Stewart Duncan (Cupar), Stuart Cluckie (Perth), Jeremy Parker (Forfar) and Robert Beaty (Forfar). Their donation page is at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/nfus-eastofscotlandblowers

 Other companies taking part in the challenge include The Scottish Farmer magazine, United Auctions, Bank of Scotland, Peter Graham and Associates, Ledingham Chalmers, Veolia Water Organics Recycling, Johnston Carmichael, Scottish Land & Estates.

 More information on the charity RSABI can be found at: http://www.rsabi.org.uk

 More information on the RSABI Great Glen Rural Challenge 2013 can be found at: http://www.rsabi.org.uk/view_item.aspx?&item_id=5607

For more information contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006 or Email: bob.carruth@nfus.org.uk