Agriculture and farming groups and organisations have pledged their support for the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) fundraising campaign – the Mighty Munro Muster.
Employees and supporters of the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), Farmstrong Scotland and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) are set to take part.
It is hoped that hundreds of people from across the three organisations will join the collective of RHASS supporters taking part in the challenge on Saturday, September 21, which will see teams collectively ascend all 282 Munros within the same 24-hour window.
The undertaking is part of RHASS’ 240th anniversary celebrations and so those taking part are being asked to raise £240 each, with funds being equally divided between RHASS and the organisation or charity the individuals are representing.
Any additional funds raised by individuals over and above will go towards their respective organisations.
All funds raised by RHASS will go towards supporting apprenticeships across the sector.
‘Important industry causes’
RHASS director of advancement, Alisdair Caulfield, said:
“Our shared vision with RHET, Farmstrong Scotland and SAYFC in supporting those living and working in rural Scotland makes our partnership for this challenge all the more special and with funds benefiting RHASS and the organisations involved means that the more people that sign-up, the more funds we can raise for important industry causes.
“If you haven’t yet signed up, there’s still time to gather a team and choose the Munro you’d like to conquer.”
RHASS will work alongside its three partners to support participants in the run-up to the event, providing safety advice, training programmes and guidance to ensure participants are well equipped to take on the challenge.
Executive officer for RHET, Katrina Barclay, said: “RHASS’ support for RHET has given the charity the stability needed to grow and thrive over the last 25 years.
“This challenge is a brilliant opportunity to raise funds and enjoy some of the best scenery in Scotland at the same time.
“We hope everyone with a love of the hills gets behind the Munro muster to keep our work free and accessible for Scotland’s young people.”
SAYFC chair, Ally Brunton, said:
“As Scotland’s largest rural youth organisation, we are really excited to get behind the Mighty Munro Muster and encourage our 3,500 members to be part of this ambitious feat, all while raising money that will benefit not only SAYFC, but other leading agricultural organisations.
“We are currently working towards raising funds for a new state-of-the-art building at the Royal Highland Centre to replace our existing structure which is in a poor state of repair so the funds raised for SAYFC through this challenge will help bring the exciting project to fruition.
“They say there’s strength in numbers, and we hope that together we can raise some very worthwhile funds for all involved.”
Mighty Munro Muster
Program director of Farmstrong, Alix Ritchie, said the Mighty Munro Muster is an event that Farmstrong is “delighted” to be a part of.
“It ties together all five of the wellbeing steps for those who are taking part and will be a great team effort to raise funds for these vital charities in Scottish agriculture which will allow them all to continue supporting the sector.
“Farmstrong Scotland is a rural wellbeing programme for the farming and crofting sector, sharing peer-to-peer tips and advice.
“The support received from RHASS has allowed Farmstrong to establish a strong foundation, which is centred around the 5 steps to wellbeing – connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active.
“By incorporating these steps into daily life, farmers and crofters can build up their wellbeing accounts so that in times of need they have something to draw on.
Those wishing to take part in the campaign can sign up online via the RHASS website.
Participants will receive a branded event t-shirt to wear during the climb and to capture that “all-important selfie” at the top, RHASS said.
