Agricultural charity RSABI start clocking up the kilometres for #Challenge125 initiative

PEOPLE involved in the agricultural industry from all over Scotland helped to kickstart RSABI’s #Challenge125 initiative during the Royal Highland Show (RHS).

Hundreds of kilometres were clocked up on static bikes by a wide variety of people, including north-east farmer Ken Howie of Cairnton Farm was among those who took part.

RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture, is encouraging people to get behind their #Challenge125 initiative this summer to help celebrate the organisation’s 125th anniversary and contribute to an ambitious overall target of achieving 125,000km.

#Challenge125, sponsored by United Auctions, launched at the RHS and will run until August 26, when RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge 2022 will take place.

With static bikes available at the United Auctions stand at the RHS, visitors were encouraged to take part and pedal to help give the challenge a boost in its first few days. During the show cyclists pedalled their way to a great total of 617km and helped to raise almost £2000.

Participants included Alison Rose, Chief Executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, Bill Gray, Chairman of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), Martin Kennedy President of NFU Scotland, Jim Smith, farmer and TV comedian, David Leggat, RSABI’s Chair as well as other trustees and staff, and many more visitors to the United Auctions stand.

Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive, said: “We’ve had a fantastic start to our #Challenge125 initiative, thanks to the tremendous support of our sponsors United Auctions and all those who contributed kilometres over the four days.

“You can join the challenge this summer to help improve your mental and physical fitness, as well as contributing your kilometres and helping us to reach 125,000km by August 26.

“Why not set yourself a 125km (or other) target and walk, run, cycle, ride, swim – complete the kilometres however you would like to?”

Sponsors United Auctions will have exercise equipment available at their Stirling Auction Market for the duration of the challenge, with staff and customers encouraged to do their bit towards the target and help raise funds for RSABI. Four staff, including Auctioneer Ross Fotheringham, Group Director Christopher Sharp, Sales Administrator Ailsa Taylor and Group Director Donald Young have also pledged to complete 10km a day over the 60 days of the challenge.

RSABI Chair David Leggat said: “We’ve had such a great response to #Challenge125 so far. It was wonderful to see so many people willing to have a go on the bikes during the Royal Highland Show.

"Our thanks go to sponsors United Auctions for all their help and support, and also for pledging to take on so many kilometres for the challenge!”

Those wishing to sign up to take part should go to www.rsabi.org.uk/challenge125

RSABI are also now encouraging teams from rural and agricultural businesses and organisations to enter their Great Glen Challenge 2022, also sponsored by United Auctions. The unique team event is back after a break of two years and will see teams cycle, run, walk and kayak in stages from Fort Augustus to Fort William. Those interested in taking part should visit https://www.rsabi.org.uk/RSABI-Great-Glen-Challenge-2022 or email rsabi@rsabi.org.uk