UNITED AUCTIONS has topped the prize list for the Virtual Great Glen Challenge event, raising over £5700 for farming charity, RSABI.

On Friday, August 27, individuals and teams from across the country, walked, cycled, ran and kayaked, raising over £22,000 to help RSABI provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

In previous years, RSABI has held an in-person GGC, a popular event which has raised over £300,000 since its launch in 2012. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the charity decided to hold a virtual challenge this year.

Read more: Over £20,000 raised for RSABI in Virtual Great Glen Challenge

Now that the final total has been totted up, awards have been given to individuals and teams who went over and above to support RSABI in their efforts.

The team from UA, which was made up of 33 staff, was the challenge’s biggest team and they won the award for most distance covered overall, clocking up 863 kilometres. United Auctions also raised the most funds overall with a fantastic sum of £5726.

Managing Director of UA, George Purves, said: “Huge thanks to our generous customers who showed their support by donating £5726. This level of commitment from staff and supporters shows how important the RSABI’s work is to everyone in the agricultural community.

“We’re pleased to know that the funds raised will go towards helping our fellow agricultural workers, farmers and crofters in need of support in these difficult times.”

Other prize winners on the day included Landmark Systems team, consisting of Allistair Gray, Annabel Wrinch, John Macrae, George Paterson and Kate Adams, who won the prize for most kilometres completed per team member. Ms Adams also won a most unusual challenge, having completed a marathon walk starting at midnight!

The Loch Earn Kayakers, Susan Stewart and Lynda MacLean, won the prize for best fancy dress and most funds raised per team member.

RSABI’s own chair, David Leggat, received a medal for being the individual to raise the most funds and Ruth Parrack won the prize for the most inspiring challenge having completed her walk with collie Midge on the one-year anniversary of leaving hospital following a hip operation.

Read more: RSABI shortlisted in Scottish Charity Awards 2021

A medal was awarded to three-year-old Callum McVey, for being the event’s youngest fundraiser, raising the great sum of £155. Caleb Connell and Callum MacDonald, aged two, took part in the challenge with RSABI trustee Mairi MacKenzie and were awarded medals for being the event’s youngest participants.

Mr Leggat, said: “Congratulations to all our prize winners! Our Virtual Great Glen Challenge surpassed our expectations, raising such a wonderful sum to help support people in the Scottish agricultural industry.

“My sincere thanks go to everyone who took part and made such an effort on the day, and to the hundreds of people who donated to support their friends, family and colleagues.”

Chief Executive Nina Clancy thanked The Scottish Farmer for sponsoring the event. She said: “The team at TSF went over and above to support and promote the Virtual Great Glen Challenge and the fundraiser would not have been such a success without their great enthusiasm and coverage.

Read more: RSABI encourage people to keep talking

“And not only did The Scottish Farmer sponsor the event, they also entered a team who climbed Ben Lomond, while colleagues Darren Bruce and David Boyle put in a fantastic effort with their cycling challenge.”

RSABI’s helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm on 0300 111 4166.