THE ROYAL Highland and Education Trust raised a whopping £90,000 at its gala dinner and auction, with pledges still to be added to the final total.

The inaugural event took place last Friday at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh and saw over 450 people enjoy a three-course meal showcasing Scotland's larder. Comedian and farmer Jim Smith entertained the guests and auctioneer Ross Fotheringham conducted a fast-paced auction, with over 90 fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Prizes included spa breaks, a holiday to Mauritius, an ice-cream making experience, cottage stays, bull semen and much much more! The famous Highland cow sculpture 'Curly Sue', made by Kev Paxton, made a hugely significant contribution to the fundraising following a generous bid from Audrey Baxter.

RHET executive officer, Katrina Barclay, said: “In the words of one of the children we recently took on farm, this fundraising total is ‘mindblowing’!

“I am so grateful to all those who donated the prizes, all those who came along to the dinner and all those who bid on the auction lots. It is all of you who have turned this gala dinner goal into a reality," she continued.

“I believe that the children of Scotland deserve to learn where their food comes from and how our farmers grow that food with such care and attention. The money we have raised in our 21st birthday year will help us to continue working with these amazing children. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”