R.S.A.B.I

RSABI celebrates 125 years of supporting people in Scottish agriculture

RSABI, the organisation which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is this spring celebrating its 125th anniversary and a series of events and activities to mark the milestone are planned for the next 12 months.

The charity is now known simply as RSABI, but it was founded as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and in recognition of the deep agricultural depression at the time.

When first set up, its aim was to help elderly, infirm, distressed and disabled Scottish tenant farmers and their dependants. At its first AGM, the funds available supported 16 “pensioners” to each receive £20 per year.

Over the years, RSABI has evolved significantly and now supports many hundreds of people of all ages across the agricultural industry each year. The support services now on offer are wide-ranging and include emotional and practical support as well as financial assistance.

During its 125th anniversary year, RSABI will be encouraging the agricultural community to continue to support its work and raise awareness of its services.

RSABI Chief Executive Carol McLaren explains:

“We know there are people who could benefit from our support, including younger people, who for some reason are hesitating to reach out to us.

“We are looking at steps to address this and this spring we have further developed our helpline to a 24-hour service operating seven days a week, 365 days a year, to ensure we are ready and waiting for calls at any time of the day or night.”

RSABI is also developing a vibrant new website which will make it really easy to understand and navigate the range of services we offer and will also feature a live webchat function.

“RSABI is here for you, whatever is around the corner, as we have been since 1897. Our service is always confidential, always friendly, and always understanding so if you are in difficulty, or worried about a friend, family member of neighbour, please share our number or contact us on 0300 111 4166 or via email helpline@rsabi.org.uk. Don’t hesitate.”

RSABI’s helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm on 0300 111 4166. Visit www.rsabi.org.uk for more information on support provided.

Two new appointees at Wildlife Estates Scotland

Deirdre Stewart

Lyn White

Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES), the internationally recognised accreditation scheme promoting habitat and wildlife management best practice, has made two new appointments to its leadership groups.

Deirdre Stewart, Estate Manager at Dalhousie Estates, has been appointed a board member of the WES Advisory Board, which steers the longterm direction of the scheme.

Lyn White, Forestry and Farming Development Officer at Scottish Forestry, has become a member of the WES Technical Committee which advises on species, habitat, best practice and assessment.

Both join the WES leadership teams as the scheme aims to double its fully accredited farm and estate land from 1.25million acres to 2.5million acres by the end of 2023.