RSABI is to launch a special initiative during the summer in the run up to the Great Glen Challenge which will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year.

The agricultural charity will be inviting people in the Scottish agricultural community to get behind its #Challenge125 initiative, which will get underway on June 23 on the opening morning of the Royal Highland Show and finish on August 26 when the Great Glen Challenge will be held.

The aim is for people of all ages and fitness levels to get fit, have fun enjoying Scotland’s outdoors, and raise funds to support RSABI while clocking up kilometres to reach the ambitious overall target of 125,000km.

Fundraising activities could include cycling, climbing Munros, horse-riding, swimming, canoeing, running or walking – any fun challenge that is distance-related. Participants can log their individual #125challenge with a page on the RSABI’s Enthuse fundraising platform. Prizes will be awarded for the top fundraisers and the most innovative challenge.

Both the #Challenge125 and the Great Glen Challenge 2022 are to be sponsored by United Auctions this year. The leading livestock auction business will share its Royal Highland Show stand with RSABI, where exercise equipment will be set up for fun challenges and celebrity participation to get moving towards the 125,000km target.

The equipment will then be publicly available at UA’s Stirling Agricultural Centre for customers and visitors to challenge one another to collectively do their bit towards hitting the big goal.

Read more: RSABI announce Great Glen Challenge prize winners

Former UA managing director, David Leggat, now chairman of RSABI, said: “Our 125th anniversary will be an extra special year with both the #Challenge125 and the Great Glen Challenge 2022 bringing everyone back together in a real spirit of community and comradery.

"We’re particularly pleased to welcome long-term supporters United Auctions as our 2022 sponsor for both events and look forward to working together on these fun and important fundraising initiatives this summer.”

George Purves, managing director of UA, said: “In RSABI’s 125th year we wanted to double down on our commitment in supporting the vital work they do for people in Scottish agriculture. As we begin to recover from the pandemic, these 'Challenges' offer a great way for people to reconnect with one another, boost health and wellbeing – and resilience.

"These social benefits are hugely important for our customers, which makes Stirling Agricultural Centre the ideal location to host a collective effort that harnesses the power of the agricultural community to support one other with this fun #Challenge125 and, working together, reach the 125,000km target.”