A COMPLETELY restored vintage tractor will be auctioned this month, with all proceeds donated to farming charity RSABI.

The Straight Axle Massey Ferguson 135 – complete with original factory-fitted power steering and pickup hitch/drawbar combination – has been donated by farmer Harold McKeever of Hillhead Farm, Tarbolton, who explained that he wanted to give back to the industry and to RSABI in particular.

The tractor itself has quite a tale attached, having made the journey from County Down, Northern Ireland, in 1976, across the water to Stranraer and driven up the coast by Mr McKeever to a new home in Ayrshire.

Mr McKeever told The SF that the tractor has seen many a silage season in the past but has now been spruced up and restored to its former glory and is ready for a new home.

RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee members John McNae and Russell McNab, and other members of the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club were behind the makeover. The ‘nut and bolt’ restoration took place in Mr McNae’s workshop in evenings prior to lockdown.

“As an agricultural engineer, volunteering with RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee has been a very rewarding way to give back to the agricultural community and those who have fallen on hard times,” said Mr McNae.

“Previous tractor restorations have been a great fundraising success for our committee, and we hope the sale of this perfect vintage tractor will raise further vital funds for RSABI. I’d like to thank those who helped to sponsor some of the parts for the tractor.”

Over the past ten years RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee have raised over £100,000 for the charity, including two previous tractor restorations.

The tractor will be sold at Pentland Auctions in Kirriemuir during their online auction sale of Quality Vintage and Classic Tractors, Implements and Sundries taking place from Monday 16 to Monday 23 November. The auction can be viewed online at https://www.pentlandlivestock.co.uk/.

Auctioneer Graham Burke is forgoing commission on the sale, to further support the charity. Mr McKeever wanted to remind interested buyers that in order to bid for the tractor they had to register online in advance, so as not to miss out.

RSABI’s chief executive Nina Clancy shared her thanks with all the individuals who have dedicated their time to this cause: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mr McKeever for kindly donating his tractor to RSABI, and to all involved in its restoration and auction – particularly members of RSABI’s Ayrshire Fundraising Committee and the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club.

“The funds raised from the sale of this lovely tractor will make a huge difference and help us provide support to people in Scottish farming and crofting,” she concluded.