People from across the board in Scottish agriculture have rallied to support RSABI, with an exceptional entry of 25 teams taking part in this week’s Great Glen Challenge 2023.

RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is delighted the hardy teams, from a wide range of roles in Scottish agriculture, are putting on their game faces to take on the testing multi-sport event between Fort Augustus and Fort William.

The demanding route consisting of a 49km mountain bike, 6km kayak, 18km walk, and 17km run, will put the competitors’ training to the test as the teams of four plus a support driver embark on a day jam-packed with activity, in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.

The challenge, sponsored by expert legal advisors to the rural sector, Gillespie Macandrew, is designed to test teams, promoting commitment and teamwork from the onset of training right up to race day.

Alongside training, the teams have been working hard to fundraise in a bid to help RSABI reach the ambitious target of £50,000, which will help the charity provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

So far, a total of £37,000 has been raised by those taking part, and RSABI is encouraging supporters to dig deep and get behind the competing teams to provide them with the all-important motivation to get over that finish line.

After competing in last year’s Great Glen Challenge, overall event sponsors Gillespie Macandrew have this year signed up two teams - GMac Movers and GMac Shakers. NFU Scotland have fielded a total of three teams and SP Energy Networks and SAYFC have both got two teams taking part.

READ MORE: Great Glen teams racing to reach £50k

To support racegoers, People’s Ford are kindly providing a Ford Ranger to join the fleet of support vehicles, while letting agents Rettie & Co have signed up as this year’s route sponsors and map creators.

As well as offering an event with a unique team-building spirit, the Great Glen Challenge also highlights the importance of keeping fit to maintaining good physical and mental health.

Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive, said: “There is something very special about the Great Glen Challenge and we are really delighted to see so many people come together to collectively support the important work that we do here at RSABI.

“We have an exceptional number of teams signed up this year and its incredible to see so many people from different parts of Scottish agriculture getting involved.

“We know just how busy everyone is and for so many people to make time to support the work we do means a great deal to the whole team at RSABI.

“Our thanks also go to everyone who has kindly sponsored the teams so far and a special thanks to Gillespie Macandrew, our overall event sponsor this year.

“Our thanks also go to the volunteers who help us run the event, our media partners, The Scottish Farmer, and all those who have already generously donated to the competing teams. Donations have been coming in thick and fast, and with a final push we will be in good stead to reach our ambitious £50,000 target.”

Others organisations participating include Bank of Scotland, Bell Ingram, Bidwells LLP, the Crofting Commission, Davidson & Robertson, Galbraith, James Hutton Institute, Johnston Carmichael, Royal Bank of Scotland, SAC Consulting, Scottish Woodlands, Tarff Valley, Thomson Cooper Accountants, Thorntons, and Virgin Money.

Last year’s winners, Team Shannoch, will also be back to try to retain their position at the top of the Great Glen leaderboard.

To donate and find out more about how to support the teams, please visit the RSABI website.