Scottish farmer walks 195 miles in wellies for RSABI

Scottish farmer Duncan Maclellan, 30, has recently completed two challenges of epic proportion to raise funds for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi), while putting a spotlight on the need to speak more openly about men’s mental health.

In late May, Duncan completed a 24-hour challenge to summit the equivalent of Mount Everest’s height on iconic Aberdeenshire hill, Bennachie.

To reach 8,848m – the equivalent of Everest’s summit height – he walked up and down Bennachie a total of 17 times.

See also: Farming charity Rabi’s Return to School grant is back

To top this off, he last week completed his latest charity challenge, walking coast to coast from Aberdeen to Morar on Scotland’s West coast – wearing a pair of wellies to show support for farmers.

It took a week to walk the 195 mile route, averaging around 30 miles per day through the rainy weather and welly-induced blisters.

He has so far raised nearly £3,000 for Rsabi.

Speaking on his inspiration for undertaking the challenges, Duncan said that raising awareness for men’s mental health in farming has been a big driver.

“Having personal experience with poor mental health, I feel strongly that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the fact it’s okay to talk, and men’s mental health especially is something we all need to keep talking about,” he explains.

“Farming can be a very lonely and isolating job, and this has been a particularly tough year, so I hope I can raise a good sum of money to help support the fantastic work Rsabi is doing in this area.”

Emotional support

The rural charity provides emotional support, including free counselling services, as well as practical and financial support to rural and farming families.

Its free and confidential support service is available 24 hours a day by calling 0808 1234 555.

All funds raised by Duncan will go towards continuing these vital services. 

Rsabi spokeswoman Pauline Macmillan said: “We’re very grateful to Duncan for taking on these ambitious challenges on behalf of Rsabi.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has donated so far – all money raised will go towards providing vital emotional, practical and financial support to those who need it in Scottish agriculture.”

To make a donation, visit Duncan’s fundraising page.