FARM FOLK from all over Scotland helped to kickstart RSABI’s #Challenge125 initiative during the Royal Highland Show, by clocking up hundreds of kilometres on static bikes.

RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture, is encouraging people to get behind their #Challenge125 initiative this summer to help celebrate the organisation’s 125th anniversary and contribute to an ambitious overall target of achieving 125,000km.

#Challenge125, sponsored by United Auctions, launched at the RHS and will now run until August 26, when RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge 2022 will take place.

With static bikes available at the UA stand at Ingliston, visitors were encouraged to take part and pedal to help give the challenge a boost in its first few days. During the show, cyclists pedalled their way to a great total of 617km and helped to raise almost £2000. Participants included RBS chief executive Alison Rose, RHASS chairman Bill Gray, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy, farmer and comedian Jim Smith, RSABI chair David Leggat, as well as other trustees and staff, and many more visitors to the UA stand.

RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said: “We’ve had a fantastic start to our #Challenge125 initiative, thanks to the tremendous support of our sponsors UA and all those who contributed kilometres over the four days.

Read more: RSABI launches 'Challenges' to celebrate 125-year anniversary

“You can join the challenge this summer to help improve your mental and physical fitness, as well as contributing your kilometres and helping us to reach 125,000km by August 26.

“Why not set yourself a 125km (or other) target and walk, run, cycle, ride, swim – complete the kilometres however you would like to?”

Sponsors United Auctions will have exercise equipment available at their Stirling Auction Market for the duration of the challenge, with staff and customers encouraged to do their bit towards the target and help raise funds for RSABI.

Those wishing to sign up to take part should go to www.rsabi.org.uk/challenge125.

RSABI are also now encouraging teams from rural and agricultural businesses and organisations to enter their Great Glen Challenge 2022, which is back after a break of two years and will see teams cycle, run, walk and kayak in stages from Fort Augustus to Fort William. Those interested in taking part should visit https://www.rsabi.org.uk/RSABI-Great-Glen-Challenge-2022 or email rsabi@rsabi.org.uk