Following the resounding success of last year’s events, RSABI is once again bringing senior age farming and crofting people together over winter through a series of free Festive Lunches across Scotland as part of its “Ploughing On” initiative.
The lunches will take place at venues across the country throughout December, from Banff to Ayrshire, giving people typically aged 65 and over and from a farming or crofting background the opportunity to enjoy a festive meal, share stories and memories, and spend time with others involved in Scottish agriculture.
Run by RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture, the lunches are part of the Ploughing On initiative celebrating the vital contribution of older people to farming and crofting. The campaign also recognises lifelong dedication to the industry and encourages people to get together to help tackle loneliness and isolation.
Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Festive Lunches back this year following such a positive response from the agricultural community last year. These events are a lovely opportunity to celebrate the contribution older people have made to Scottish farming and crofting, while giving people the chance to catch up with old friends, make new connections and share stories over a festive meal.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the local volunteers, businesses and organisations who are helping to make the lunches possible. Their support means we can continue bringing people together in farming communities across Scotland.”
Three of this year’s festive lunches in Aberdeenshire, held in Banff, Thainstone and Laurencekirk were supported by the Scottish Government’s Rural Community Led Local Development Fund 2026–27.
Tickets for the Festive Lunches are free but subject to availability. Anyone aged 65 or over from a farming or crofting background is warmly encouraged to attend. Attendees are also asked to share any access, dietary or other requirements when booking.
Festive Lunches 2026 – dates and venues:
● Banff – Saturday 5 December – Fife Lodge, Sandyhill Road, Banff, AB45 1BE
● Falkirk/Stirling/Clackmannanshire/West Fife – Sunday 6 December – The Den at Culross, Culross, KY12 8EP
● Ayrshire – Monday 7 December – The CooShed, South Corton Farm, Ayr, KA6 6BX
● South Aberdeenshire – Monday 7 December – Westerton Farm Cafe, Westerton of Pittarrow, Laurencekirk, AB30 1RT
● East Fife – Wednesday 9 December – Pratis Barns, Pratis Farm, Leven, KY8 5NX
● Duns – Thursday 10 December – White Swan, 31-32 Market Square, Duns, TD11 3AL
● Dingwall – Friday 11 December – Conon Hotel, Dingwall, IV7 8HD
● Thainstone, Inverurie – Friday 11 December – The Bothy, Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Thainstone, Inverurie, AB51 5XZ
● Perth – Tuesday 15 December – The Earn Coffee Shop, Gateside Home Farm, Bridge of Earn, Perth, PH2 8QR
● Lanarkshire – Wednesday 16 December – Lanark Agricultural Centre, Hyndford Road, Lanark, ML11 9AX
● Aviemore – details to be confirmed
A further New Year Lunch will take place in North Uist at Hosta Hall, with more details to be confirmed.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite. For further information, contact RSABI on 0131 364 4205, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
To access ticket links and find out more about the Ploughing On initiative and RSABI’s campaign to honour older farmers, visit www.rsabi.org.uk/plough-on/