Following a wonderful response from volunteers and supporters throughout the country, RSABI has confirmed the dates and venues for a series of Festive Lunches as part of its “Ploughing On” campaign to celebrate the contribution of older people to farming and crofting.
The lunches, which will take place in locations ranging from Dingwall to Duns throughout December, are free to attend for farming folk aged 65 and over, and offer a chance to enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the company of others in the agricultural community.
RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is running the campaign – backed by key industry organisations – to recognise the dedication and lifelong commitment of senior farmers, crofters, and farm workers while helping to tackle loneliness and isolation during the darker winter months.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the brilliant response from volunteers throughout Scotland who’ve come forward to help us deliver these events,” said Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive.
“It’s been wonderful to see the agricultural community really get behind the Festive Lunches. These gatherings are a chance for older people in the farming community to enjoy good food, laughter, and company, while celebrating all they have contributed to Scottish agriculture over the years.”
Tickets for the Festive Lunches are free but subject to availability, and anyone aged 65 or over from a farming or crofting background is warmly encouraged to attend.
Tickets are now available to book for the following Festive Lunches:
- Duns – Friday 5th December – White Swan – 12pm for 12.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1963503367428?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Banff – Tuesday 9th December – Fife Lodge Hotel – 12pm for 12.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1963501815787?aff=oddtdtcreator
- East Lothian – Thursday 11th December – 12pm for 12.30pm – Craigielaw Golf Club – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1907571641129?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Dingwall – Thursday 11th December – 12pm for 12.30pm – Conon Hotel – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1954294650909?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Falkirk/Stirling/Clackmannanshire/West Fife – Saturday 13th December – The Den at Culross – 12pm for 12.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968575424086?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Ayrshire – Monday 15th December – 12pm for 12.30pm – The Coo Shed – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1954338993539?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Perth – Tuesday 16th December – The Earn Coffee Shop – 12pm for 12.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1963499450713?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Elgin – Tuesday 16th December – Laichmoray Hotel – 12pm for 12.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1963500825826?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Aviemore – Wednesday 17th December – Rowan Tree Country Hotel – 12pm for 12.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968571502356?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tickets can also be booked by calling RSABI’s office on 0131 364 4205 between 9am-5pm from Monday – Friday.
RSABI extended thanks to Karen Stewart, who is helping to coordinate the Festive Lunches, and to all the local volunteers, businesses, and organisations who have generously provided sponsorship and support to help make the events possible.
Full details of the Ploughing On initiative, including Festive Lunch dates and additional ticket information, are available on the RSABI website at: www.rsabi.org.uk/plough-on
RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk. The charity also offers emotional support calls to people who might be feeling low or lonely and these can be arranged by contacting their Helpline.