Celebrating connection and collaboration at the Royal Highland Show

Throughout the show, the RCF team met with a range of organisations and individuals who are working every day to support farming communities across Scotland. 

Our first stop was a breakfast with Women in Agriculture Scotland, where we heard from three inspiring speakers: shepherdess Emma Gray, Joanna MacGregor of Farm Ness, and Amelia Lawrence, who is a vet and recent new entrant taking on a dairy tenancy. Each shared honest reflections on the realities of being a woman in agriculture. From navigating imposter syndrome to leading businesses and building communities. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the resilience, ambition and determination that drive so many women across the farming sector. 

We then went to see Scottish Land & Estates, where we met and spoke with Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing. It was a chance to reflect on some of the challenges and opportunities facing family farms and how our organisations can continue to support a thriving countryside. 

We then joined RSABI, one of our local delivery partners in Scotland, to see their Health Hut in action. This initiative, supported by funding from the RCF in partnership with The Health Lottery Foundation, marked its second birthday at the show. Run by a team of friendly nurses, the Health Hut travels to marts and agricultural shows to provide essential health checks to farmers, many of whom are often reluctant or too busy to visit a GP. 

It was inspiring to see this service in action and get involved ourselves! Sometimes, a quick check-up and a friendly chat can have a powerful impact. We’re incredibly proud to support a project that meets farmers where they are, both physically and mentally. 

The team also had the opportunity to catch up with our friends at the Scottish Crofting Federation and the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association. These two organisations play a vital role in supporting Scottish agriculture by championing the unique roles and needs of crofters and tenant farmers. 

Later in the day, we joined our longstanding partner Marks & Spencer for their Select Farm Awards, where we were delighted to present the RCF Family Farm Award. This year’s winners were the Currie family, third-generation dairy farmers who have continued to evolve their 250-cow herd with a clear focus on animal health, sustainability and commitment to the next generation. As the family shared: “Our family all take our role as caretakers of the countryside seriously. We are proud to get this recognition from the award.” 

We also visited Johnston Carmichael, who are valued supporters of the RCF. Earlier this year, they took part in a session at our Farm Support Groups Conference on business finance, succession planning and future-proofing for family farms. Their guidance has helped farm advisors and support groups offer better, more practical support to family farms navigating these often difficult conversations. 

Our final stop was at NFU Mutual, a longstanding funder and partner of the RCF. Through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, they have helped fund many of our resilience and support programmes. Their continued support through hosting breakfast receptions at agricultural shows across the UK has played an important part in helping us reach more farming families and expand our support. 

The RCF team would like to extend their sincere thanks to NFU Mutual, RSABI, Johnston Carmichael, Marks & Spencer, Scottish Land & Estates, and all the brilliant farmers, friends, and partners we met at the show. 

Agricultural shows like the Royal Highland Show aren’t just about cattle rings and competitions. They’re about a community and we’re proud to be part of it.