Farming family set to bring the community together for an evening of laughter, food, and music in support of farmers’ wellbeing.
A north-east farming family are hosting a special ‘Burns Charity Bash’ in support of RSABI, the charity providing emotional, practical, and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.
The event, organised by Craig and Julie Stuart, part of the Marshall family of Marshall’s Farm Shop, will take place on Saturday 31 January 2026 at the Thainstone Centre in Inverurie, with entertainment from farmer and comedian Jim Smith, live music and ceilidh from The Limit, and a three-course dinner prepared by Harry Fraser.
In line with RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign, which encourages the farming community to reconnect and look out for each other, the evening is an opportunity to get everyone together for some social interaction, while raising vital funds for RSABI.
Julie Stuart, who is running the event alongside her family and husband Craig, said they were motivated to hold the event due to the worrying rate of mental health problems experienced within the agriculture industry, very often stemming from the isolated nature of the job.
“Farming can be lonely at times, and some of the sociable aspects of rural life just aren’t what they used to be,” said Julie.
“We really feel people need more opportunities like this to socialise, particularly those who may be struggling behind the scenes. Beyond raising money for an important cause, we wanted to get everyone out, talking, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
“RSABI do a wonderful job supporting people in farming who are facing tough times. Having lost a parent myself at a young age, I know how deeply loss affects families, and if we can help prevent even one tragedy by raising awareness and funds for RSABI, and the work they do to support positive mental health in farming, then this event will have done what we hoped for.”
The Marshall family are well known locally for their successful farm shop business, based near Kintore. Alongside Julie’s parents Kenny and Moira, and sisters Shona and Christine, the family farm cattle, sheep, pigs and laying hens, and grow barley, wheat, potatoes and vegetables. Marshall’s Farm Shop is also supplying much of the produce that will be enjoyed on the night, with all food for the dinner donated by the family.
Julie and Craig, who have two young sons, James and Harry, both work across the family’s busy farming and property enterprises. Craig, a former helicopter engineer, joined the family business in 2022 and now supports a wide range of operations including the farm, property management, and deliveries.
Jane Mitchell, RSABI Chair, extended her gratitude to the Marshall family for their generous support.
“We’re so thankful to Julie, Craig and all the Marshall family for putting their hearts into organising this Burns Night fundraiser,” said Jane.
“Events like this make such a difference by reminding the community how important it is to stay connected and take time off the farm, and the funds raised will make a real difference to farmers who might be going through a tough time and are relying on our support. We’re certain it’ll be a brilliant night and would encourage everyone to go along and show their support.”
The Burns Charity Bash, sponsored by Sinclair Agricultural & Recycling Services, will feature a full evening of entertainment with a welcome drink, auction, prize draw, and dancing until late.
Tickets are now available via Eventbrite or by contacting Marshall’s Farm Shop on 01224 790493.
Date: Saturday 31 January 2026
Venue: Thainstone Centre, Inverurie
Time: 6pm start
Dress code: Kilts & Dresses or a Touch of Tartan
Tickets: £95 single / £875 table of 10 / £1050 table of 12
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 the Helpline.