THIS FESTIVE season, farming charity RSABI is encouraging people to pay a visit to their Christmas shop.

Brand new charity book 'Farming is Still a Funny Business' – compiled by journalist Andrew Arbuckle – is on sale now, along with a range of farming-themed Christmas cards.

All proceeds from the sale of the new book and the cards will go to RSABI, with funds helping the charity to provide much-needed practical, emotional and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

RSABI chief executive Nina Clancy said: “We’re very grateful to everyone who has already bought their copies of ‘Farming is Still a Funny Business’ and this year’s Christmas cards. Every purchase helps us to provide support to people in Scottish farming and crofting. And we hope as well as raising funds the book and cards will raise a smile this festive season.”

Ms Clancy explained that one Christmas card design has already sold out. “Stock of our Christmas cards is reducing, so we’d encourage people to place an order soon to avoid disappointment.”

RSABI is also asking people to consider gifting Individual Supporter Scheme membership this Christmas from just £2 per month or £25 a year, which covers the cost of six RSABI helpline calls making a huge difference to someone in the agricultural community who is struggling or feeling isolated.

Ms Clancy continued: “The Supporter Scheme is a vital source of income for us, and we’d encourage people to consider giving regularly to the charity in this way, or gifting a year’s Individual Supporter Scheme membership as a Christmas present.

“This year we’ve significantly increased the number of calls we’re making from our helpline call out service to those who are feeling more lonely or isolated. Joining, or gifting, the Individual Supporter Scheme is a great way to support this work, ensuring that RSABI is here for everyone that needs us.”

You can order Christmas cards and books from RSABI’s online shop - www.rsabi.org.uk/RSABI-Shop- or by calling 0131 364 4205.

'Farming is Still a Funny Business' is also available from selected retailers.