March in Rural Scotland: Charity, Succession Planning, and Community

March is a bustling month for Scotland's rural communities, offering opportunities for both charitable support and vital knowledge sharing. Here's a look at two key initiatives:

RHASS Presidential Initiative Charity Dinner & Auction

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is hosting its highly anticipated Presidential Initiative Charity Dinner & Auction on March 21st at the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood. This event, spearheaded by President George Lyon and his team, aims to raise crucial funds for:

• Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs' (SAYFC) Big Build
• Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)
• RSABI
• Farmstrong Scotland

What's on Offer?

Prepare for a diverse auction with over 75 prizes, including:

• Luxury experiences: An exclusive helicopter ride, a four-ball at Gleneagles, a three-ball at Turnberry with afternoon tea, overnight accommodation and a luxury car to drive there, and various luxury breaks across Scotland.
• Exclusive sports memorabilia: Signed football and rugby tops from Celtic, Rangers, and Glasgow Warriors – a must-have for passionate fans.
• Agricultural prizes: A vintage plough, straws of sexed semen from Worldwide Sires, and 18 doses of private semen from some of the most sought-after Texel rams in the UK and Texel embryos from Hugh Blackwood & Son.
• Whisky collectors’ dream: A Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Cask Strength 60.5 abv NV with a baccarat glass decanter, stopper and booklet and leather presentation case, and cask of Kilchoman whisky.

How to Participate:

• The online silent auction is open now and closes at 11 pm on March 21st, 2025.
• Live auction bids can also be placed online to start the bidding on the night.
• Visit weareeventpal.com/RHASS2025 to view the full list of prizes and place your bids.
• Limited tickets are still available for the Dinner itself.

"The Strathclyde Presidential Team has curated an incredible range of prizes," says RHASS President George Lyon. "Your support will make a real difference to our chosen charities."

RSABI x The Royal Countryside Fund: Planning for the Future

Facing the challenges of farm succession? RSABI, in partnership with The Royal Countryside Fund, is hosting a series of workshops across Scotland to provide expert advice and support.

What to Expect:

• Discussions led by legal, business planning, farm accounts, mediation, and succession experts.
• Topics include tax and business planning, succession strategies, conflict resolution, wills, and power of attorney.
• Opportunities for networking and socialising with fellow farmers.

Event Details:

• March 13th – Woodland House Hotel, Dumfries, 6 pm EVENTBRITE LINK
• March 24th – Thainstone Mart, Inverurie, 6 pm EVENTBRITE LINK
• March 25th – Albert Hotel, Kirkwall Orkney, 6 pm EVENTBRITE LINK
• Online Zoom meeting date to be announced.

These free events, supported by the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund, offer invaluable insights for farming families. Register via Eventbrite and learn more at rsabi.org.uk.

"These meetings provide a vital opportunity for farmers to receive expert advice on planning for the future," says Carol McLaren, CEO of RSABI.

RSABI Support:

RSABI offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call 0808 1234 555 or visit rsabi.org.uk.

Remember, you can send us details of your events, vacancies, special offers etc and we will do our best to include them in our March newsletter.