SCOTLAND'S rural charity RSABI is celebrating following confirmation that its annual Great Glen Challenge event, held at the end of August, has raised £65,637, breaking the previous fundraising record set in 2015.

The popular event has now raised over £300,000, with support from around 550 rural competitors, representing over 125 company teams, since being established in 2012.

This year’s Great Glen Challenge event, sponsored once again by Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors, and supported by Bank of Scotland, Rettie and Co, The Scottish Farmer and Royal Bank of Scotland, saw 104 competitors cycle, kayak, walk and run 46 kilometres from Fort Augustus to Fort William on August 31. The Challenge was a sell-out, with 26 teams of four people from a wide spectrum of agricultural and other land-based businesses and organisations taking part.

Glasgow based Begbies Traynor were crowned winners, with teams from Algo (Blairgowrie) Ltd, team B, and Knight Frank following closely behind in second and third position.

The £65,637 raised to date will help RSABI provide emotional, practical and financial support to individuals and their families across the agricultural sector, including farming, crofting and growing.

RSABI’s Paul Tinson, who co-ordinates the event, said: “We have literally been bowled over by the record amount raised this year and the fundraising impact provided by a range of new teams as well as returning competitors. My colleagues and I thank all those who took part in Great Glen Challenge 2018, our headline sponsors, Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors, our partner organisations, volunteer stewards and the hundreds of people who donated so generously up and down the country to our teams this year.

“In recent years we have experienced a surge in demand for our services, at an average cost to the charity of £500,000 each year, so a flagship event such as this, as well as our growing supporter scheme, become ever more important to us.”

Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors partner Jim Drysdale added: “The role of RSABI has arguably never been more important as the industry works together to create a sustainable future in the face of continuing uncertainty, as well as challenging market and weather conditions. We are once again delighted to support this fantastic event that raises essential funds to help so many people throughout rural Scotland."