Scottish agriculture charity receives £200,000 award

Scottish agriculture charity Rsabi (The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institute) has been handed a £200,000 grant.

The award from Scottish government comes at a vital time for the charity, which says it has never been busier responding to calls for help from struggling farmers.

The charity says the funding will go towards providing a range of services across rural communities, including emotional, financial and practical support.

See also: Where farmers in need can find charity help

Scottish rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “With the nature of rural life often meaning that individuals and their families can feel isolated at a time of need, it is absolutely vital that there is support available.

“With rural communities and businesses facing significant uncertainty, I would encourage anyone who may feel they are struggling not to suffer in silence. It is absolutely okay not to be okay over the Christmas period.”

Helpline ‘never busier’

Rsabi chief executive Nina Clancy said: “A key message from Rsabi is the importance of recognising and acting on problems as soon as possible, as early intervention can prevent a difficult situation deteriorating and becoming much harder to deal with at a later stage.

“Our helpline has never been busier, so it is vital that we are able to step up our resources to respond to the increasing demand. This funding will go some way to helping us achieve this.”

Rsabi was founded in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and in recognition of the deep agricultural depression at the time.

• If you are a Scottish farmer or crofter in need of support, contact Rsabi on 0300 111 4166.